Wes Welker hired as assistant coach by Texans

HOUSTON -- The Texans have hired former NFL wide receiver Wes Welker as an offensive and special-teams assistant coach.

Welker played in the NFL for 12 seasons, including six with the New England Patriots. He was in New England at the same time that current Texans coach Bill O'Brien was an offensive coach for the Patriots.

Welker last played in 2015, finishing his NFL career with 903 catches for 9,924 yards and 50 touchdowns. He had more than 100 catches in five seasons.

Welker became the self-proclaimed "poster child" for concussions after he suffered at least six media-documented concussions in his career, including three in nine months as well as two in four weeks during the 2013 season.

The Texans also announced the hiring of Bobby King as linebackers coach. King was the Texans' assistant linebackers coach from 2011 to 2013 and was the only other new hire on the coaching staff.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner contributed to this report.