Pro Coaching Career
Los Angeles Rams
Houck's first pro coaching experience came with the
Los Angeles Rams, where he coach the offensive line from
1983 to
1991. In his nine years with the team the Rams had 1,000-yard rushers seven seasons, highlighted by
Eric Dickerson's record-setting 2,105 yards in
1984. During Houck's tenure, five Rams offensive linemen combined for 21
Pro Bowl appearances, including
Jackie Slater (7),
Doug Smith (6),
Kent Hill (3),
Dennis Harrah (3) and
Tom Newberry (2). In Houck's final three years with the team, Rams
quarterback Jim Everett threw for more yards than any passer in that span and did not miss a start.
Seattle Seahawks
Houck spent one season as offensive line coach for the
Seattle Seahawks in
1992. Seahawks running back
Chris Warren logged the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career with Houck tutoring his blockers.
Dallas Cowboys
Houck would spend the next nine years coaching the offensive line for the
Dallas Cowboys. At times during Houck's tenure the Cowboys' line was one of the most dominant in the history of the game. The 203 sacks they allowed in nine years under Houck were the fewest of any NFL team in that span. Six offensive linemen earned 22 trips to the Pro Bowl under Houck, including
Larry Allen (7),
Nate Newton (5),
Erik Williams (4),
Ray Donaldson (2),
Mark Stepnoski (2) and
Mark Tuinei (2). Future Hall of Fame running back
Emmitt Smith earned a pair of rushing titles during Houck's tenure, and rushed for over 1,000 yards every season.
San Diego Chargers
With the
San Diego Chargers from
2002 to
2004, Houck transformed one of the league's worst offensive lines to one of the best.
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for more than 1,300 yards in each of Houck's three seasons with the team. With five new starters on the line in 2004, the Chargers ranked 10th in total offense and sixth in rushing. The Chargers allowed fewer than 25 sacks per season under Houck.
