"That's a guy who not only was really talented, but made it because of what was upstairs, also, and how he developed," Shanahan said. "Knowing he's put in the work and put two hard years in at Houston, going the quality control route, and just talking to him and interviewing him you can tell he was serious about becoming a coach and was ready to put in the work, put in the hours. He's a talented guy and a good person. I feel fortunate to have him on the staff."

Shanahan had more first-hand knowledge of Austin as the two crossed paths in 2014 with the Cleveland Browns. Austin also, in Shanahan's words, "tore us up plenty of times when I was at Washington and he was in Dallas." Like Welker, Austin also earned Shanahan's utmost admiration.