Texans Coach Bill O’Brien Could Be Finished In Houston

HOUSTON, TX — The fourth year of Bill O’Brien’s tenure as the Houston Texans head coach could be his last.

For weeks rumors have swirled that O’Brien could be on his way out of Houston, but after the teams handling of Tom Savage after suffering a concussion against the San Francisco 49ers, and pounding the Texans endured at the hands of a ferocious Jacksonville Jaguars, the rumors may prove to be true.

Sources close to the situation have indicated a rift between O’Brien and Texans General Manager Rick Smith that may be irreparable.

But there have always been rumors of a rift between O’Brien and Smith, which came to a head last season and were downplayed by both as the season was winding down.

Over the last three seasons, O’Brien has amassed three straight 9-7 season and led the Texan to two AFC South titles, which in many cases would amount to a contract extension and a nice raise.

During a press conference last week, O’Brien said he hoped to stay in Houston, and be back to at least fulfill the final year of his contract.

But this season, the Texans will miss the playoffs and, and at best can only finished with a 6-10 record if they can miraculously defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, and the squeak another one out against the Indianapolis Colts the following week.

They won’t have a first or second round pick in the 2018 draft after spending their draft capital to straighten out their quarterback problem, an albatross for O’Brien during his tenure as coach.

Thus, a recovery won’t happen through the draft, and if experts are right, won’t happen under O’Brien either.

However, O’Brien said it won’t be his call.

During his press conference o Monday, O’Brien said he would not willingly step down as the Texans Head Coach.

"I'm not a quitter," O'Brien said.

The final decision will ultimately fall to team owner Bob McNair, who isn't known for rushing when it comes to making a coaching change.

Image: (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)