...In the Bullseye.com: O'Brien Hiring First of Many Changes

After closing a disastrous 2-14 season, the Texans began rebuilding an organization that looked like they were ready to go deep in the playoffs last August. Today they should be happy to bounce back to 7-9 or 8-8 next year.

The first major piece to the rebuild was made on New Year's Day when the Texans announced that Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brien would be their new top man on the sidelines. It will be O’Brien’s first NFL head coaching gig, but he had previously spent five years with the New England Patriots, including time spent as offensive coordinator.

O’Brien will want to bring in his own people so we have likely seen the last of defensive coordinator and interim head coach Wade Phillips although there’s a possibility he could remain.

The next piece will be the number one overall choice in the 2014 draft. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville might be the most logical choice but, remember the last time the Texans were in this position (after the 2005 season), everyone thought the question was between Reggie Bush and Vince Young before the Texans got serious about selecting Mario Williams. There's no Eli Manning or Andrew Luck at the top of the draft board this year to make this choice an easy one.

Defensive lineman Jadaveon Clowney of South Carolina, Texas A&M offensive lineman Jake Matthews and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel are also possibilities.

What becomes of this year's signal-callers? Matt Schaub has a hefty contract and Case Keenum showed flashes of being a capable starter while also revealing a lack of experience. Does either have trade value? Will they be left to mentor a new quarterback if one is drafted?

What other free agents might be coming or going? What becomes of Arian Foster and Ben Tate next year? How much longer will Andre Johnson play? Will the problems on the right side of the offensive line and in the secondary ever be solved?

Two things are for sure. The Texans won't intend to stay down for long and this offseason is going to be chocked full of big decisions. Join our discussion as we research and discuss the possibilities.

© Copyright 2014...In the Bullseye is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the actual Houston Texans franchise. It's a non-commercial website for the enjoyment of football fans and is not intended for any other purpose. For legitimate content on the team, its operations and its actions, please visit its official site.