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Houston Texans Rumors: Why Bill O’Brien might be fired after the season

By Brian K. Patterson

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 14: Head Coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans looks on during pregame warm ups prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 14, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 14: Head Coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans looks on during pregame warm ups prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 14, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Houston Texans have skedaddled their way to a 4-10 record after a disheartening 45-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the gray cloud of Bill O’Brien’s candidacy as the team’s next head coach hangs over the heads of all of the faithful in this team.

The Houston Texans have a situation on their hands in regard to the contract situation with Bill O’Brien, who has been with the organization since 2014.  He’s going into the last year of his contract and this is time where the franchise will evaluate his performance to see if he deserves an extension.

It has been a winding road for the O’Brien era — with plenty of peaks and valleys — but for the most part, it has been solid with this team piling up considerable wins with two playoffs berths as well as the same amount of division titles.

But the latest from NFL Insider Jason La Canfora indicates that the Houston Texans and the fiery coach may be parting ways sooner than one may think.

Here’s what the scribe had to say on the situation:

"“With Texans coach Bill O’Brien about to enter the final season of his contract, and the Texans struggling down the stretch, numerous sources close to he and general manager Rick Smith believe a split is imminent. The relationship between the men has long been complicated, and many close to the situation believe change is on the horizon.”"

I can certainly speak to the fact that more than likely there have been bumps in the road as far as the relationship between O’Brien and Rick Smith but at the end of the day, they both worked together vigorously to put together a competitive team.

But La Confora makes it sound as if this is more like Facebook status when one selects “in a relationship … and it’s complicated.”  Is that even a status anymore?  Any way, that may be true because I’m sure there were a lot of things they disagreed upon.  I still don’t think O’Brien wanted Brock Osweiler from the get-go but was forced to make do with him.

After the amicable separation between Osweiler and the club in the off season by trading their 2018 2nd round pick to the Cleveland Browns, O’Brien had the opportunity to finally coach a dominant quarterback that he wanted.  This, of course, was made possible by trading their 1st round pick of 2018 to the Browns.

Yes, it’s quite obvious things were working between both O’Brien and Watson because the offense ran liked a well-oiled machine, franchise offensive records were being shattered nearly every game and the team was averaging close to 30+ points per contest when DW4 was the signal-caller.

Here’s the deal.  I don’t expect Smith and O’Brien to be lovey-dovey friends but one that fosters a working relationship.  O’Brien has earned that right with how the offense had progressed as well as how there was give/take on his relationship with Watson.  For guy who has a penchant for being tied to his specific game plan, he changed it up to tailor Watson’s strengths.  And then came

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the wins week after week.

La Canfora also alludes to the fact that O’Brien would generate a ton of interest among other teams if let go.  I could already see the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Giants being among the teams that’d be the first to call.  If that’s the case, it’s indicative of every reason why O’Brien’s contract should be extended for TWO more seasons.

It hasn’t gone perfect but the incredible job that he’s done in such a short amount of time is remarkable and I want him back in the coaching trenches.

La Canfora also indicates who would be a likely candidate to replace him if he departs:

"“In such a competitive coaching market, it would obviously behoove the Texans to sort out this situation as quickly as possible after the season, while defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, who is thought highly of by other teams, would be one obvious internal candidate should O’Brien and the Texans indeed part ways.”"

Wait, what?!?  This is the FIRST season as defensive coordinator for Mike Vrabel and although this defense wasn’t awful, it wasn’t great either.  He needs more time before elevating to the head coaching role because it’s a whole different ballgame when you’re coordinating the operations of the entire team, rather than just one unit.

Next: Jadeveon Clowney: From Bust to Superstar

He has been linked to several teams in the past but I just don’t think he’s ready.  The Houston Texans have to be careful to not look foolish to award him a title that he’s not qualified for, like an excerpt out the literary Hans Christian Andersen classic, “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”

We’ll have to see what happens but if I’m a betting man, O’Brien will be back next season.  And that’s that.

Go Texans.

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