[Sources] OB & Smith relationship has worsened

[steelbtexan]

It tells them do as I say not as I do. If Jim Harbaugh who went to a SB and 3 NFC championship games wore his players down with his act how do you think O'Brien's tough guy schtick without the success is going to fare with this team going forward. Even if he sticks around, the players will see him as a fraud and start tuning him out.

So far well enough to make the playoffs.

If Ricky had not saddled him with Os maybe more.

 

[steelbtexan]

Losing O’Brien Would Be Catastrophic For Texans
January 5, 2017 4:30 PM By Marc Ryan

Houston (CBS HOUSTON) – This past Sunday, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer dropped a bomb when he suggested Texans coach Bill O’Brien could be this year’s surprise firing. When describing Houston’s front office, Glazer called the relationship between owner, general manager, and coach “just not a good fit.”

When the opening question at Monday’s press conference addressed Glazer’s report, rather than the Texans upcoming playoff game, O’Brien said little to refute it: “I mean, I don’t think about that. I just think about this team and concentrating on the Oakland game and how far we’ve come. I don’t know – again, I don’t address those things. I just talk about where we’re at right now. I mean, I don’t even know if that’s even worthy of an answer.”

With the Texans set to host the Oakland Raiders in Saturday’s wild card round, this naturally creates an intriguing storyline around the contest. Most pundits have already deemed this game, featuring benched-and-starting-again Brock Osweiler vs. Oakland third-stringer and rookie Connor Cook as the least compelling matchup of the weekend. But now, the subplots are saucy.

Is Bill O’Brien coaching for his job? Do rumors of a possible divorce point to O’Brien wanting out or to his being forced out? Who’s really calling the shots here? And would moving on from O’Brien be the best thing for this franchise moving forward? I have thoughts on all of the above, but I’d like to address the last of these questions.

Losing Bill O’Brien would be CATASTROPHIC to the Texans. As Glazer opined, should O’Brien become available, he’d easily be the top NFL head coaching candidate on the market. The “why” there isn’t hard to decipher. The Texans are back-to-back division champions with arguably the worst quarterback situation in the league. Of the eight division winners, they are the only team dealing with shaky quarterback play. New England, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Dallas, Green Bay, Atlanta, and Seattle are all rock solid at the sport’s most important position. Many point to the reputation of the AFC South, incorrectly labeled as the worst division in football. It ranks sixth of eight in combined winning percentage, and AFC South teams had to run the gamut of the AFC West this season, arguably the strongest division.

O’Brien’s lengthy list of accomplishments doesn’t end there. His offense has turned the previously pedestrian CJ Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin into playmakers. He’s successfully utilized the added team speed from one offseason to the next, turning a previous team weakness into a strength. He’s worked successfully with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, and player development under both has led the Texans to the #1 overall defensive ranking in yards per game this season. Perhaps most impressive, O’Brien won ten straight division games before last week’s otherwise meaningless season ending loss at Tennessee.

The friction between Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith has apparently reached a boiling point. O’Brien’s contract states he and Smith are supposed to reach personnel decisions “in concurrence,” yet, one has to wonder who really pulled the trigger to sign Brock Osweiler. The massive four year, $72 million dollar deal now looks to be a massive albatross for the team. Osweiler’s benching against the Jaguars in Week 15 sheds some light on his true feeling about the Texans signal caller. It may be no small coincidence that reports of O’Brien’s days being numbered have surfaced shortly thereafter. There were also reports last season that O’Brien wanted to release then Texans’ quarterback Ryan Mallet after Mallet missed a team flight to Miami. In that situation, Smith reportedly rejected and ultimately overruled his head coach’s wishes. If true, this is just another example of a strained relationship between the coach and GM.

As someone who’s covered the Texans and has been at O’Brien press conferences, I can add that at times, he comes off a bit curt, abrupt, and irritated. He seems to make decisions emotionally, as displayed by his oft-occurring sideline tirades. It’s not hard to imagine that there are difficult days at the office working with someone whose operating temperature reading can be rather sweat-inducing.

Despite these faults, the notion that O’Brien is coaching for his job against the Raiders in the Texans’ playoff game on Saturday is patently absurd. O’Brien has provided stability and success in the face of dire injury and consistently dismal quarterback situations. With JJ Watt projected to be healthy, the Texans’ over/under win total was set at 8.5 by betting experts. Without Watt, your guess is as good as mine. You’d struggle to name five head coaches who’d be able to deliver back-to-back division titles, and matching playoff appearances in these circumstances.

Yet, when one considers what O’Brien has accomplished in a situation where many teams would have imploded, his value is obvious. Here’s to hoping Texans’ brass wisens up and sees it the same way.

Amen

This article says it all.

Which is why he probably will be gone.

 

[steelbtexan]

I agree that it seems Os learned little to nothing from Manning. However there are times when Brock looks good and a head coach not set on his ways finds out how to best adjust his system to what fits that quarterback. BO'b should be able to pattern an offense to his quarterbacks strengths and I saw very little of that for either Os or TS.

This next game in the playoffs should tell us all we need to know in regards to BO'b and Os. If BO'b goes back to the system that Os struggled most with it will be hard on me to place the lions share of the blame on Os. If BO'b does more of what was working last week throughout most of the game and Os struggles than we can squarely place blame on Os and consider him a poor excuse for a starting quarterback. Heck, even a sorry excuse for a second stringer.

I know where I stand now but I will reserve full judgement till after the game.

Os will throw 3-4 good passes then throw one either 5ft to high or 3yds wide. This even includes passes in the 5-10 yd range too. Sad for a professional QB. No system can be effective with a QB playing like that.

 

[humblegeo]

I sure hope we get a new head coach. I never cared for him from the beginning. I don't think we have ever had someone like this. The first couple of years was full of uncontrollable sideline temper tantrums and hissy fits. Obviously someone in the front office this year gave him a severe verbal scolding because he has been better behaved but it is what it is and I don't like it.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I can only imagine the effect of this on the Texans locker room moral going into the playoffs is like now.

The non-existent transparency of how this organization works has been catastrophically destructive to the success of this team. When Jerry Jones has made decisions, it's out in the open...........when he makes a good decision, he is given credit for it. When he screws up, he is given credit for it and has to take the heat. When there is a successful player decision with the Texans, the GM and owner fall all over themselves to claim the credit. When the decisions smell to high heaven (and there have been way too many stinkers), they run from them like rats just as far away as they can get........leaving others to have to explain their mess. This leaves a sleazy feel to the whole process..........a vicious "game." Kubiak and O'Brien, no matter what you think of them are not doofus material. The only common divisor in the equation has been Smith and McNair. Get rid of O'Brien, and the same destructive common divisor remains to try to convince another generation that the new coach is no more than another definite doofus.............and that this time with the acquisition of the next new coach, the Texans are truly "on the right track"..............honest Injun!.........

.

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

If Os was more accurate none of these problems would exist. But he's not, they do and will continue to exist as long as Os is here. There's no way to fix/scheme around an in accurate QB in the NFL. You just try to limit his mistakes which BOB has done well enough to win 9 games and would've won 10 if he tried.

Making the most out of a bad situation is what BOB did this yr. Kudos

And he will probably be gone to an org that winning comes 1st and foremost.

Os looked better last year under Kubiak. He didn't look like an all time bottom of the barrel QB, otherwise there's no way that they'd have signed him.

In my post I clearly said that I think all levels have failed here and no that does not exclude OB and/or his offensive coaches. I do believe that there are things they could do to make Os look functional. Kubiak did it last year in Denver, so we know it can be done.

 

[mussop]

Losing O’Brien Would Be Catastrophic For Texans
January 5, 2017 4:30 PM By Marc Ryan.


O’Brien’s lengthy list of accomplishments doesn’t end there. His offense has turned the previously pedestrian CJ Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin into playmakers. He’s successfully utilized the added team speed from one offseason to the next, turning a previous team weakness into a strength. He’s worked successfully with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, and player development under both has led the Texans to the #1 overall defensive ranking in yards per game this season.

Lol

 

[Lucky]

This team hasn't drafted a QB in the first 3 rounds since Drew Henson in 2003.

It was Dave Ragone in the 3rd, Henson in the 6th. But yeah, that probably is the longest current top rounds qb draft draught going. I'll try to do the research later.

 

[dalemurphy]

So far well enough to make the playoffs.

If Ricky had not saddled him with Os maybe more.

I would add the following, in agreement: Three years into the OBrien regime, and we can only conjecture about the role Rick Smith played regarding things that have not worked out... the same was true with Kubiak... because both coaches, to an annoying degree, take responsibility for the performance of the team. Meanwhile, Rick Smith consistently brags about the talent and depth assembled entering each season, though I have never heard him take responsibility for any personnel mistake- ever!

 

[chicagotexan2]

Amen

This article says it all.

Which is why he probably will be gone.

It could set the Texans back if BoB is ousted but it would certainly be catastrophic if Rick Smith sorry is retained.

 

[steelbtexan]

Os looked better last year under Kubiak. He didn't look like an all time bottom of the barrel QB, otherwise there's no way that they'd have signed him.

In my post I clearly said that I think all levels have failed here and no that does not exclude OB and/or his offensive coaches. I do believe that there are things they could do to make Os look functional. Kubiak did it last year in Denver, so we know it can be done.

So functional Kubiak benched him for a noodle armed Manning.

Kubiak saw this guys accuracy was lacking.

 

[Lucky]

But yeah, that probably is the longest current top rounds qb draft draught going. I'll try to do the research later.

The Cowboys have gone the longest without drafting a QB in the top 3 rounds (2001 Quincy Carter in 2nd). The Texans are #2 with Ragone in the 3rd in 2003. Casserly said that he drafted Ragone with the idea of flipping him for a higher pick in 2-3 years. He actually did flip Henson to the Cowboys for a 3rd a couple of years later.

 

[steelbtexan]

I would add the following, in agreement: Three years into the OBrien regime, and we can only conjecture about the role Rick Smith played regarding things that have not worked out... the same was true with Kubiak... because both coaches, to an annoying degree, take responsibility for the performance of the team. Meanwhile, Rick Smith consistently brags about the talent and depth assembled entering each season, though I have never heard him take responsibility for any personnel mistake- ever!

Nor will you ever hear this.

 

[steelbtexan]

It could set the Texans back if BoB is ousted but it would certainly be catastrophic if Rick Smith sorry is retained.

Totally agree with this post.

 

[thunderkyss]

 

[JB]

A pic of them laughing together means nothing... why post it?

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

So functional Kubiak benched him for a noodle armed Manning.

Kubiak saw this guys accuracy was lacking.

Im not sure that was the main reason for the benching, but even if I concede that (and f it, I will) kubiak still had him playing at an at least decent level prior to benching him.

Decent enough to where they would have signed him to a good amount of money. Decent enough to where we did sign him to a big contract.

After playing with kubiak his value was good. After playing here his value has plummeted.

Again, I'm not putting this solely on OB. What I'm saying is that every single level of the organization could probably have done a better job. I cannot exclude OB from that given the evidence.

 

[76Texan]

Lol

I double down on the LOL LOL

 

[thunderkyss]

It could set the Texans back if BoB is ousted but it would certainly be catastrophic if Rick Smith sorry is retained.

I love our defense. Top to bottom. There's room in a couple of spots that could use some upgrading. I still think speed is an issue. But hasn't been a big issue due to coaching. I like the development of players we've seen over the last three seasons. Bouye & Mercilus have been huge this season. Demps, Hal are overachieving. McKinney & Clowney proving their worth. Reader coming along well.

Offensively, what's not to like? Duane Brown playing well considering his age. I'm in the minority, but I like how Sua-filo & Mancz are coming along. Looks like we've got two nice TEs & some believe Anderson can be even better. Prosh ain't Vonta Leach, but he's played well this season for his position. Fuller played all right for a rookie with a struggling QB. Braxton Miller... again, for a rookie with our QB situation & dealing with injuries... I like him. I like Lamar Miller. He's been a nice work horse, but he was more explosive last season & I think that explosiveness would have helped a lot.

I'm not crazy about our RG, RT, or QB. But we've got Aboushi I don't know why he isn't playing. I wish we would have drafted Connor Cook. Get him in the third, maybe B.Miller or someone similar (Pharoh Cooper, Malcom Mitchell, Tajae Sharpe) in the 4th.

So... three positions on the whole team & there have been times when those three seem to be adequate. I think better game planning, better play calling & a little more effort on the part of the players & our offense could be much better than we've seen.

I'm not a fan of Rick Smith, but I think we've got a pretty decent roster.

 

[Lucky]

However this season ends, McNair needs to bring O'Brien and Smith together. And the message needs to be that if one fails, they both fail. The performance of the team and the culture of the organization has to show improvement in 2017. There won't be a power struggle. Bob and Rick have to be tied at the hip.

One of these guys “win”, the Texans lose. If O'Brien gets the boot, what top head coaching candidate will want to work under Rick Smith, a two-time coach killer? All they could get would be a retread or a guy who keeps getting passed over. Anyone with options will take another option.

If Smith takes a hike, or is moved “upstairs”, the new GM would just be a yes man for O'Brien. And Bob has yet to show he deserves that kind of control.

I believe that unless you have a superstar like Walsh, Belichick, or Jimmy Johnson, the GM and Head Coach need to be separate identities. And they need to come in together. If necessary, leave together. This eliminates the power struggle. Forces both to help the other succeed.

I don't see O'Brien or Smith as inept. Nor am I convinced that they have what it takes to make the Texans champions. They have both shown themselves to be snakes. Still, McNair is not the kind of guy that is keen on burning down the house. OK. Keep both for one more year. But let them know that both of their heads get chopped without bigly improvement.

 

[Here's Johnny!]

"Catastrophic". lol

 

[76Texan]

I love our defense. Top to bottom. There's room in a couple of spots that could use some upgrading. I still think speed is an issue. But hasn't been a big issue due to coaching. I like the development of players we've seen over the last three seasons. Bouye & Mercilus have been huge this season. Demps, Hal are overachieving. McKinney & Clowney proving their worth. Reader coming along well.

Offensively, what's not to like? Duane Brown playing well considering his age. I'm in the minority, but I like how Sua-filo & Mancz are coming along. Looks like we've got two nice TEs & some believe Anderson can be even better. Prosh ain't Vonta Leach, but he's played well this season for his position. Fuller played all right for a rookie with a struggling QB. Braxton Miller... again, for a rookie with our QB situation & dealing with injuries... I like him. I like Lamar Miller. He's been a nice work horse, but he was more explosive last season & I think that explosiveness would have helped a lot.

I'm not crazy about our RG, RT, or QB. But we've got Aboushi I don't know why he isn't playing. I wish we would have drafted Connor Cook. Get him in the third, maybe B.Miller or someone similar (Pharoh Cooper, Malcom Mitchell, Tajae Sharpe) in the 4th.

So... three positions on the whole team & there have been times when those three seem to be adequate. I think better game planning, better play calling & a little more effort on the part of the players & our offense could be much better than we've seen.

I'm not a fan of Rick Smith, but I think we've got a pretty decent roster.

MEDIOCRE.
Always Mediocre.

It's like settling for a Mediocre QB.
Makes it harder for every one else.

A HC and a GM that cannot see this has no place on my team (if I ever own one, LOL).
I want to see an improvement on that end until they get at least a top 8-10 QB.
Even in Schaub's best year (and I was in Schaub's corner from the start), I still wanted the Texans to keep drafting a QB.

As an owner, that would be the only thing I ask for.
Obviously, the HC and the GM would have to pass the interview first.

 

[DX-TEX]

Mark Berman‏@MarkBermanFox26
Owner Bob McNair & his wife Janice are the #Texans Homefield Advantage Captains for the playoff game Saturday against Oakland at NRG Stadium

Is this like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burns?

 

[Say Watt]

Heck, I even wanted them to consider drafting a QB in 2011.

Dalton low risk, medium reward.
Kaepernick high risk, higher reward.

I mean, when the team doesn't have a bona fide QB, the GM and HC need to look for one.

I understand that Kubiak's system doesn't need a great QB, but a prospect like Kaepernick shouldn't be ignored.
If needed, he can always be traded later.

There has never once been a year that I would have been upset about the Texans drafting a QB in the first three rounds. At no point have I ever been so confident in a Texans QB that a drafted QB would make me upset.

 

[texanhead08]

Mark Berman‏@MarkBermanFox26
Owner Bob McNair & his wife Janice are the #Texans Homefield Advantage Captains for the playoff game Saturday against Oakland at NRG Stadium

Is this like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burns?

I hope they get booed lol

 

[powda]

I cannot stomach another year of this offense and playcalling. Fire Godsey or give him another title somewhere else on the team. Ob may be wrong or right with whatever he's pissed about but he needs to give up oc responsibilities to someone else. Bring in an outside coach. Help the offense and game management in one move.

Draft 2-3 offensensive linemen - draft 2 qb's. No more journeyman qb's. The good thing about going through as many qb's as we have is there will be a half dozen guys available midseason if we get desperate next year. They already know the offense. Treat it like ob's secret shitty qb practice squad.

As far as rick vs ob, I've felt for sometime rick has lasted as long as he has here because he's been a "facilitator." If he got involved with oz and stepped on ob's shoes he's finally on the ledger. It means more accountability.

Of course, he'll argue oz failed because ob didn't coach him up. I don't really care either way. Somethings gotta give. Even if we win tomorrow, we'll be served up as a sacrificial lamb next week. I'm happy we're in the playoffs but I've thought since October we were only playoff contenders - never super bowl contenders.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

However this season ends, McNair needs to bring O'Brien and Smith together. And the message needs to be that if one fails, they both fail. The performance of the team and the culture of the organization has to show improvement in 2017. There won't be a power struggle. Bob and Rick have to be tied at the hip.

One of these guys “win”, the Texans lose. If O'Brien gets the boot, what top head coaching candidate will want to work under Rick Smith, a two-time coach killer? All they could get would be a retread or a guy who keeps getting passed over. Anyone with options will take another option.

If Smith takes a hike, or is moved “upstairs”, the new GM would just be a yes man for O'Brien. And Bob has yet to show he deserves that kind of control.

I believe that unless you have a superstar like Walsh, Belichick, or Jimmy Johnson, the GM and Head Coach need to be separate identities. And they need to come in together. If necessary, leave together. This eliminates the power struggle. Forces both to help the other succeed.

I don't see O'Brien or Smith as inept. Nor am I convinced that they have what it takes to make the Texans champions. They have both shown themselves to be snakes. Still, McNair is not the kind of guy that is keen on burning down the house. OK. Keep both for one more year. But let them know that both of their heads get chopped without bigly improvement.

I have no problem with this approach. But as long as McNair is in the background tilting the scale, it won't work.

 

[TripleTap]

Finally, O'Brien is responsible for what's on the field. This seems inescapable. What's on the field on offense is crap; the record is luck and defense. We need an offensive coordinator. Kick Bill up to Head Coach only, or show him the door. Bring in some capable people.

 

[ObsiWan]

However this season ends, McNair needs to bring O'Brien and Smith together. And the message needs to be that if one fails, they both fail.

THIS ^^^^
McNair needs to tell both of them to be professional and do what's best for the team to succeed or they both hit the streets.

 

[michaelm]

I love our defense. Top to bottom. There's room in a couple of spots that could use some upgrading. I still think speed is an issue. But hasn't been a big issue due to coaching. I like the development of players we've seen over the last three seasons. Bouye & Mercilus have been huge this season. Demps, Hal are overachieving. McKinney & Clowney proving their worth. Reader coming along well.

Offensively, what's not to like? Duane Brown playing well considering his age. I'm in the minority, but I like how Sua-filo & Mancz are coming along. Looks like we've got two nice TEs & some believe Anderson can be even better. Prosh ain't Vonta Leach, but he's played well this season for his position. Fuller played all right for a rookie with a struggling QB. Braxton Miller... again, for a rookie with our QB situation & dealing with injuries... I like him. I like Lamar Miller. He's been a nice work horse, but he was more explosive last season & I think that explosiveness would have helped a lot.

I'm not crazy about our RG, RT, or QB. But we've got Aboushi I don't know why he isn't playing. I wish we would have drafted Connor Cook. Get him in the third, maybe B.Miller or someone similar (Pharoh Cooper, Malcom Mitchell, Tajae Sharpe) in the 4th.

So... three positions on the whole team & there have been times when those three seem to be adequate. I think better game planning, better play calling & a little more effort on the part of the players & our offense could be much better than we've seen.

I'm not a fan of Rick Smith, but I think we've got a pretty decent roster.

Why does your statement that you're not a fan of Rick Smith make me think of all the liberals in the NSZ claiming they're not liberals?

 

[Brisco_County]

It seemed after his pro bowl showing.,which IIRC was the worst performance ever for a QB in a probowl, mentally screwed him up. Well the injury to the foot didnt help.

He went full blown Chuck Knoblauch. It seemed

You're probably mixing him up with someone else. Schaub won Pro Bowl MVP. It was actually fun to watch.

It's curious to see how the media thinks O'Brien is a great coach. Looks like they are wasting much time covering the ''big name'' teams such as Cowboys and Patriots, and forgetting to study and analyze the ''under the radar'' teams like us.

It's typical of national media. They're gushing over O'Brien because of the surface facts, and are uninterested beyond that. They aren't familiar with his past bone-headed decisions or his tendency to act out of emotion. They haven't suffered through the multiple blowout losses and embarrassments. They aren't aware that the team is only above .500 because Romeo Crennel has his kitchen in order while O'Brien's is a disaster. Their gushing over O'Brien is consistent with their history of laziness in researching and understanding the Texans.

But, regardless of how inaccurately they've engorged O'Brien's stock price, we are currently in a position where we need him to stay because his departure will derail the team's surprising developmental momentum. If you momentarily forget about the QB and right side of the line, what stands out is how well the rest of the team has improved. Fiedorowicz is a prototypical dual threat now, McKinney is "Holy Sh!t!" good, Kevin Johnson plays with confidence, Demps has the most INT's in the league, Bouye will be a highly valued FA, and Su'a Filo doesn't suck anymore. Imagine a GM equipping this team with two more able linemen and a QB.

O'Brien himself has shown some ability to develop too. Remember his college coach mentality when he came in? All that "best teammate" hoke? I don't know where that went, but the players love him. And I'm gaining an appreciation of how he shoots down bullshit and holds players (like Osweiler) accountable.

So even if the media has overvalued O'Brien for the wrong reasons, the right reason for him to stay is to continue driving his own development to see where it pays off. Bailing out now will abandon too much progress.

 

[Scooter]

Losing O’Brien Would Be Catastrophic For Texans
January 5, 2017 4:30 PM By Marc Ryan

Houston (CBS HOUSTON) – This past Sunday, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer dropped a bomb when he suggested Texans coach Bill O’Brien could be this year’s surprise firing. When describing Houston’s front office, Glazer called the relationship between owner, general manager, and coach “just not a good fit.”

When the opening question at Monday’s press conference addressed Glazer’s report, rather than the Texans upcoming playoff game, O’Brien said little to refute it: “I mean, I don’t think about that. I just think about this team and concentrating on the Oakland game and how far we’ve come. I don’t know – again, I don’t address those things. I just talk about where we’re at right now. I mean, I don’t even know if that’s even worthy of an answer.”

With the Texans set to host the Oakland Raiders in Saturday’s wild card round, this naturally creates an intriguing storyline around the contest. Most pundits have already deemed this game, featuring benched-and-starting-again Brock Osweiler vs. Oakland third-stringer and rookie Connor Cook as the least compelling matchup of the weekend. But now, the subplots are saucy.

Is Bill O’Brien coaching for his job? Do rumors of a possible divorce point to O’Brien wanting out or to his being forced out? Who’s really calling the shots here? And would moving on from O’Brien be the best thing for this franchise moving forward? I have thoughts on all of the above, but I’d like to address the last of these questions.

Losing Bill O’Brien would be CATASTROPHIC to the Texans. As Glazer opined, should O’Brien become available, he’d easily be the top NFL head coaching candidate on the market. The “why” there isn’t hard to decipher. The Texans are back-to-back division champions with arguably the worst quarterback situation in the league. Of the eight division winners, they are the only team dealing with shaky quarterback play. New England, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Dallas, Green Bay, Atlanta, and Seattle are all rock solid at the sport’s most important position. Many point to the reputation of the AFC South, incorrectly labeled as the worst division in football. It ranks sixth of eight in combined winning percentage, and AFC South teams had to run the gamut of the AFC West this season, arguably the strongest division.

O’Brien’s lengthy list of accomplishments doesn’t end there. His offense has turned the previously pedestrian CJ Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin into playmakers. He’s successfully utilized the added team speed from one offseason to the next, turning a previous team weakness into a strength. He’s worked successfully with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, and player development under both has led the Texans to the #1 overall defensive ranking in yards per game this season. Perhaps most impressive, O’Brien won ten straight division games before last week’s otherwise meaningless season ending loss at Tennessee.

The friction between Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith has apparently reached a boiling point. O’Brien’s contract states he and Smith are supposed to reach personnel decisions “in concurrence,” yet, one has to wonder who really pulled the trigger to sign Brock Osweiler. The massive four year, $72 million dollar deal now looks to be a massive albatross for the team. Osweiler’s benching against the Jaguars in Week 15 sheds some light on his true feeling about the Texans signal caller. It may be no small coincidence that reports of O’Brien’s days being numbered have surfaced shortly thereafter. There were also reports last season that O’Brien wanted to release then Texans’ quarterback Ryan Mallet after Mallet missed a team flight to Miami. In that situation, Smith reportedly rejected and ultimately overruled his head coach’s wishes. If true, this is just another example of a strained relationship between the coach and GM.

As someone who’s covered the Texans and has been at O’Brien press conferences, I can add that at times, he comes off a bit curt, abrupt, and irritated. He seems to make decisions emotionally, as displayed by his oft-occurring sideline tirades. It’s not hard to imagine that there are difficult days at the office working with someone whose operating temperature reading can be rather sweat-inducing.

Despite these faults, the notion that O’Brien is coaching for his job against the Raiders in the Texans’ playoff game on Saturday is patently absurd. O’Brien has provided stability and success in the face of dire injury and consistently dismal quarterback situations. With JJ Watt projected to be healthy, the Texans’ over/under win total was set at 8.5 by betting experts. Without Watt, your guess is as good as mine. You’d struggle to name five head coaches who’d be able to deliver back-to-back division titles, and matching playoff appearances in these circumstances.

Yet, when one considers what O’Brien has accomplished in a situation where many teams would have imploded, his value is obvious. Here’s to hoping Texans’ brass wisens up and sees it the same way.

I quote this entire report because of it's stupidity. No other Belichick flunky has inherited such a fail-proof scenario. All O'Brien had to do was rejuvenate the troops and he was gifted 10+ wins ... he got 9 while unnecessarily cleaning house. He got 9 again while bringing them back. Most of Belichick's tree had an opportunity to prove themselves incompetent. This flunky was gifted a 12-win roster against the worst division in the league. Another gift was a top 5 defensive unit and an elite coaching staff headed by Romeo and Vrabel.

Kubiak got screwed. The next coach had to do nothing more than NOT be Kubiak. To achieve that and have less than 10 wins per season is a failure from where we were. Instead idiot writers like this think we're in trouble because a Belichick failure landed on a cant-lose roster against the worst division.

Bolded is where media and fans defer. O'Brien is a failure in his coaching, scheme and sideline management. He's been unable to choose or coach up a starting quarterback in his tenure - the highlight being Fitz had that one game against the Titans (we want Fitz out, all of a sudden becomes 'Fitz's best year under O'Brien'). He has provided instability with his lack of being a coach combined with obvious conflict with management. Blame whoever you want for the personnel, O'brien is the one turning the offense into an embarrassment. Kubiak got 80 year old Owen Daniels alone in the endzone (again) in the Superbowl, and the best moves we've made in the past 3 years are bringing back Kubiak's players. And we're loving life NOT because of what we accomplish, but just so thankful that Fido doesn't drop most of his passes or get flagged at an annoying rate ... that is our offensive highlight this season, someone manages to avoid being a failure.

 

[Hervoyel]

Os looked better last year under Kubiak. He didn't look like an all time bottom of the barrel QB, otherwise there's no way that they'd have signed him.

In my post I clearly said that I think all levels have failed here and no that does not exclude OB and/or his offensive coaches. I do believe that there are things they could do to make Os look functional. Kubiak did it last year in Denver, so we know it can be done.

Keep in mind though that coaching up QB's is like Kubiak's mutant power. I think O'Brien probably gets way more credit for being able to do that than he's earned.

 

[Scooter]

Keep in mind though that coaching up QB's is like Kubiak's mutant power. I think O'Brien probably gets way more credit for being able to do that than he's earned.

Wait, are you suggesting that the time he argued with Brady DOESN'T make him a guru? Blasphemy!!!

 

[Wolf]

Shaub?

No his 2013 probowl
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/01/rough-winter-for-schaub-continues-at-pro-bowl/

I said chuck because chuck had awards also but then somehow couldnt throw to first base and schaub after that couldnt stop throwing pick 6s

 

[thunderkyss]

It could set the Texans back if BoB is ousted but it would certainly be catastrophic if Rick Smith sorry is retained.

I'm not a fan of Rick Smith, but I think we've got a pretty decent roster.

Why does your statement that you're not a fan of Rick Smith make me think of all the liberals in the NSZ claiming they're not liberals?

Just stating the facts. I'm not a fan of Jerry Jones, but I like his offensive roster.

Bruce Arians would set records with our roster.

 

[humblegeo]

It could set the Texans back if BoB is ousted but it would certainly be catastrophic if Rick Smith sorry is retained.

He signed a new 5 year contract in 2016

 

[Texian]

Mark Berman‏@MarkBermanFox26
Owner Bob McNair & his wife Janice are the #Texans Homefield Advantage Captains for the playoff game Saturday against Oakland at NRG Stadium

Is this like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burns?

I think Bob has finally out done Jerah.

 

[steelbtexan]

He signed a new 5 year contract in 2016

Rick always seems to run off HC's after he has a new deal in place.

 

[steelbtexan]

I quote this entire report because of it's stupidity. No other Belichick flunky has inherited such a fail-proof scenario. All O'Brien had to do was rejuvenate the troops and he was gifted 10+ wins ... he got 9 while unnecessarily cleaning house. He got 9 again while bringing them back. Most of Belichick's tree had an opportunity to prove themselves incompetent. This flunky was gifted a 12-win roster against the worst division in the league. Another gift was a top 5 defensive unit and an elite coaching staff headed by Romeo and Vrabel.

Kubiak got screwed. The next coach had to do nothing more than NOT be Kubiak. To achieve that and have less than 10 wins per season is a failure from where we were. Instead idiot writers like this think we're in trouble because a Belichick failure landed on a cant-lose roster against the worst division.

Bolded is where media and fans defer. O'Brien is a failure in his coaching, scheme and sideline management. He's been unable to choose or coach up a starting quarterback in his tenure - the highlight being Fitz had that one game against the Titans (we want Fitz out, all of a sudden becomes 'Fitz's best year under O'Brien'). He has provided instability with his lack of being a coach combined with obvious conflict with management. Blame whoever you want for the personnel, O'brien is the one turning the offense into an embarrassment. Kubiak got 80 year old Owen Daniels alone in the endzone (again) in the Superbowl, and the best moves we've made in the past 3 years are bringing back Kubiak's players. And we're loving life NOT because of what we accomplish, but just so thankful that Fido doesn't drop most of his passes or get flagged at an annoying rate ... that is our offensive highlight this season, someone manages to avoid being a failure.

So much fail in this post.

Starting with the gifted a 12 win roster.

Tell me how many times did Kubes win 12 games when he was with the Texans?

2-14 is 2-14.

 

[Texian]

Here is what I find extremely odd about all the OB rumors, Bob McNair has not stepped forward to say that Bill O'Brien is and will be the Houston Texans head coach for the foreseeable future (if he did I missed it). This rumor continues to linger and fester.

 

[infantrycak]

Rick always seems to run off HC's after he has a new deal in place.

Hard to make an always out of two examples. And in this case not true in the only which has actually happened.. Two years went by (out of three on his contract) before Kubiak was fired.

 

[Scooter]

So much fail in this post.

Starting with the gifted a 12 win roster.

Tell me how many times did Kubes win 12 games when he was with the Texans?

2-14 is 2-14.

You have no idea how much I love this post. Are you suggesting that O'Brien inherited a 2-14 team and took them with Fitz and Hoyer and Osweiler to 9 wins? That Rick Smith was able to wash away the stain of Kubiak and give O'Brien the 2 crippled years of Clowney to 9 wins, and no Watt to again 9 wins. Rick Smith is a F'n genius. He rode Brock Osweiler to 9 wins. Kubiak only got to 2 wins as a Texan, the only season that matters.

Edit: Except for the 22-10 record before and Superbowl Ring after ... but you go ahead and give Smith and McNair and O'Brien credit for everything they did correcting that 2-14 season.

 

[Redtexans]

Mark Berman‏@MarkBermanFox26
Owner Bob McNair & his wife Janice are the #Texans Homefield Advantage Captains for the playoff game Saturday against Oakland at NRG Stadium

Is this like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burns?

This franchise has just reached an all time low. I think the old man has lost it.

 

[steelbtexan]

You have no idea how much I love this post. Are you suggesting that O'Brien inherited a 2-14 team and took them with Fitz and Hoyer and Osweiler to 9 wins? That Rick Smith was able to wash away the stain of Kubiak and give O'Brien the 2 crippled years of Clowney to 9 wins, and no Watt to again 9 wins. Rick Smith is a F'n genius. He rode Brock Osweiler to 9 wins. Kubiak only got to 2 wins as a Texan, the only season that matters.

Somebody got butt hurt by the 12 win comment

 

[DX-TEX]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ms-are-waiting-to-learn-status-of-bill-obrien

The third-year Texans coach has won the AFC South two years in a row -- with a revolving door at quarterback -- and is searching for his first playoff win today. But there is a real chance, based on several factors, that he will be coaching another team next year.

As for the reasons why the Texans might be looking for a new coach, the fit between O'Brien, GM Rick Smith, and owner Bob McNair has always been an odd one. Personalities have clashes, as have approaches to building a football team.

The signing of $72-million quarterback Brock Osweiler, who struggled mightily and was eventually benched by O'Brien, has served as a lightning rod for argument and frustration. Whether he was forced on O'Brien by McNair and the team's brass, as most sources believe, or whether Osweiler is merely a symbol of a brutal free-agent miss, his struggles loom large.

It has been a frustrating season, even with the playoff berth. And several teams hope to be the beneficiaries of it if O'Brien becomes available. If that happens, keep an eye on Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who coached on the Texans' staff from 2006-09, as O'Brien's successor.

So now his replacement is being named? Smith has a long history with the Shanahans so I wonder who the source of Rappaports leak is....

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

From NFL.com:

Coach-needy teams are waiting to learn status of Bill O'Brien

• By Ian Rapoport
• NFL Media Insider
• Published: Jan. 7, 2017 at 05:54 a.m.
• Updated: Jan. 7, 2017 at 07:19 a.m.

The most enigmatic potential head-coaching candidate is one that is currently still employed.

While the Texans face the Raiders today in a playoff game at 4:35 p.m. ET, six teams are engaged in a competition to find a new head coach.

And many of them appear to be waiting on the future of Houston coach Bill O'Brien, according to several sources.

The third-year Texans coach has won the AFC South two years in a row -- with a revolving door at quarterback -- and is searching for his first playoff win today. But there is a real chance, based on several factors, that he will be coaching another team next year.

If that happens, O'Brien may soar to the top of the list.

A coach trade is possible. As is a mutual parting of the ways. As is the Texans simply deciding three years is enough; time to go in a different direction.

A win would at least prolong the wait or push the topic of his future to 2017, depending on who you ask.

Perhaps just as important is that teams with vacancies believe O'Brien could be available. With a talent pool full of intriguing candidates but without a lot of star power, O'Brien would immediately become among the most coveted.

As for the reasons why the Texans might be looking for a new coach, the fit between O'Brien, GM Rick Smith, and owner Bob McNair has always been an odd one. Personalities have clashes, as have approaches to building a football team.

The signing of $72-million quarterback Brock Osweiler, who struggled mightily and was eventually benched by O'Brien, has served as a lightning rod for argument and frustration. Whether he was forced on O'Brien by McNair and the team's brass, as most sources believe, or whether Osweiler is merely a symbol of a brutal free-agent miss, his struggles loom large.

It has been a frustrating season, even with the playoff berth. And several teams hope to be the beneficiaries of it if O'Brien becomes available. If that happens, keep an eye on Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who coached on the Texans' staff from 2006-09, as O'Brien's successor.

 

[Scooter]

Somebody got butt hurt by the 12 win comment

Somebody thought O'Brien was a coach.

 

[Thorn]

Think we can get rid of both OB and Smith? Something dramatic needs to happen to get this team out of it's current morass.

 

[steelbtexan]

Hard to make an always out of two examples. And in this case not true in the only which has actually happened.. Two years went by (out of three on his contract) before Kubiak was fired.

How long until he got an extension?

Was it in the works after the BOB hire?

Honest question that I don't know the answer too. I don't think anybody does. I just find it curious Ricky McNair gets reupped for 5 yrs, signs Os then starts having problems with BOB. Coincidence?