Having already found their next general manager in Brian Gaine today, the Texans are now shifting their focus to their coaching staff. Houston is working on an extension for head coach Bill O’Brien, whose contract was set to expire after the 2018 campaign, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 (Twitter link).
O’Brien had reportedly been involved in something of a power struggle with former GM Rick Smith, who was forced to take a leave of absence earlier this year when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now with something like full autonomy throughout the Houston organization, O’Brien was a member of the search committee that interviewed Gaine, who is reported to have a close relationship with the Texans head coach.
The 48-year-old O’Brien has been relatively successful during his four-year tenure in Houston, as he finished 9-7 in each season from 2014-16 and earned two postseason appearances during that time. Last year, the Texans managed only a 4-12 record, but the club almost certainly would have fared better had rookie sensation Deshaun Watson not torn his ACL in early November.
Jeff Fisher got canned after signing an extension that same week. Jack Del Rio got canned one year after signing one. So, this doesn’t get him off the hot seat.
Watson going down was the reason they lost. Same with jj watt n others
Fischer mustered 7-9 seasons with immense talent. Del Rio would have stayed had gruden said no.
Agreed. Can’t imagine it being more than a two year extension. Can’t really blame O’Brien for all the injuries the Texans suffered last year and Watson looked really good when he was healthy. An extension prevents him from being a lame duck coach. I’m sure the owner is aware that he would likely have to fire O’Brien if he really struggles.
Why?