Although rumors have swirled indicating that Bill O’Brien and the Texans could part ways this offseason, O’Brien today said he will return to coach the team in 2017, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, who adds that O’Brien is likely to publicly address the issue following tonight’s playoff game against the Patriots.
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O’Brien has reportedly experienced a tense relationship with general manager Rick Smith, while O’Brien’s lack of confidence in starting quarterback Brock Osweiler could have also been a factor a potential breakup. Texans owner Bob McNair was adamant that he would not fire O’Brien, who will now head into the fourth season of a five-year contract, so the decision to leave would have been O’Brien’s alone. In three seasons with Houston, O’Brien has posted three consecutive 9-7 records while leading the club to two straight AFC South titles.
With the O’Brien situation resolved, the Texans’ next order of business is re-signing defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, whose contract expires at season’s end, tweets McClain. Houston’s defense finished first in yards allowed and seventh in DVOA, so the club is likely highly interested in keeping Crennel around.
I thought Crennel was only interested in fulfilling his 2 year contract. Vrabel declined a DC job with SF I thought last year for what was assumed a passing of the torch from Crennel to Vrabel after this season.
Good. Bill O’Brien is a good coach. Not his fault the Texans GM can’t find a good QB.
It would be funny if he chooses to leave because of McNair, after McNair publicly said he will be back.
Houston would be a dangerous team with even an average QB. Should have kept Hoyer. He’s not a long term solution and choked in the playoffs, but better than Osweiler. Then be selective about a young QB. It’s probably not Savage even though he has a cool last name.