The Texans have interviewed or requested interviews with several NFL staffers and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick thus far. This search could approach 20 candidates. However, one may hover above the rest.
Houston is interested in former Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome, with Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reporting the ex-Ravens Super Bowl-winning exec is “at the top of the Texans’ wish list.” Because Newsome stepped down as Ravens GM after the 2018 season, giving Eric DeCosta personnel control, he would be free to interview with the Texans. Newsome currently serves as Ravens executive vice president.
However, Newsome has spent his entire executive career with the Ravens (and Browns 1.0 before that). He remains heavily involved in Ravens operations, though DeCosta oversees the franchise’s roster. Some close to the 64-year-old exec do not expect him to leave the Ravens for another NFL team, with La Canfora adding a role at his alma mater (Alabama) would be of interest before an NFL gig. But the Texans are genuinely interested in prying him from the Ravens, JLC adds.
This would be quite the upgrade from Bill O’Brien yet quite the fixer-upper project for someone as accomplished as Newsome, given the shape O’Brien left Houston’s roster in. The Hall of Fame tight end spent 23 seasons as Ravens GM, winning two Super Bowls and drafting Hall of Famers Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
