Report: Mike Vrabel turns down 49ers to stay with Texans

— -- Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel has turned down an offer to become the San Francisco 49ers ' defensive coordinator, according to multiple media reports.

Vrabel will return for a third season with the Texans, whose 9-7 season ended with a disappointing 30-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.

Head coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith worked hard behind the scenes to keep Vrabel and will give him a new contract, the Houston Chronicle reported, citing sources.

Vrabel met with new 49ers coach Chip Kelly Tuesday before declining the job, the Chronicle reported.

The 40-year-old Vrabel previously coached three seasons at his alma mater, Ohio State, before leaving to rejoin Romeo Crennel, who coached him in New England. Vrabel has earned high praise from Bill Belichick for his football smarts. In September, Vrabel, a 14-year NFL veteran, was named as one of the 108 modern-day nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2016.

The Texans also hired Anthony Weaver as a defensive line coach.