New GM and HC search [Nick Caserio Hired as GM] [David Culley Hired as HC]

[painekiller]

There was news this week that the Texans are interviewing possible GM candidates https://www.nfl.com/news/louis-riddick-interviewing-for-texans-lions-gm-jobs-this-week

Is this the first guy on the list? Or has there been others?

As for Riddick, I like what I've seen about him, and I don't want them to miss out the Detroit on him. He has ties to the 3 top HC candidates and he is not a slave to Easterby.

I am surprised there has been so little news on the search.

[Arky]

The guys on 610am have talked about him.

Went to Pitt. Played for 6 years at Atlanta, Cleveland, Oakland as a DB. Only started 8 times in his career but saw a lot of action. Age 51. ESPN analyst.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RiddLo20.htm

OK, maybe he's got the smarts. Seems to have a lot of interest from other teams. He'd be a rookie GM. Between Head coach and GM, only one rookie, please.

[Warren]

They interviewed former Colts and Lions HC Jim Caldwell today.

They reportedly are going to interview former Chiefs and Browns GM John Dorsey and former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff soon.

They can't interview anyone who is currently employed by an NFL team until after their season is over, with certain exceptions for teams in the playoffs (which I need to look up because those rules have changed). So things will probably stay pretty quiet for a few more weeks.

Dorsey has been working as a consultant for the Eagles. I haven't seen anything that has said whether or not he is an Eagles employee, which would impact when he could be interviewed by the Texans.

[HPF Bob]

Tom Herman could be available. He already has vast experience coaching teams who f--k up at the end of games. :eek:

[painekiller]

They interviewed former Colts and Lions HC Jim Caldwell today.

They reportedly are going to interview former Chiefs and Browns GM John Dorsey and former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff soon.

They can't interview anyone who is currently employed by an NFL team until after their season is over, with certain exceptions for teams in the playoffs (which I need to look up because those rules have changed). So things will probably stay pretty quiet for a few more weeks.

Dorsey has been working as a consultant for the Eagles. I haven't seen anything that has said whether or not he is an Eagles employee, which would impact when he could be interviewed by the Texans.

I was coming here to update this interview, thank you.
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Jim-Caldwell-Texans-interview-head-coach-opening-15820306.php

[painekiller]

The guys on 610am have talked about him.

Went to Pitt. Played for 6 years at Atlanta, Cleveland, Oakland as a DB. Only started 8 times in his career but saw a lot of action. Age 51. ESPN analyst.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RiddLo20.htm

OK, maybe he's got the smarts. Seems to have a lot of interest from other teams. He'd be a rookie GM. Between Head coach and GM, only one rookie, please.

Yes those guys have me liking Riddick, and Robert Saleh 49ers DC for head coach.
Yes I've drank the koolaid.

Maybe I could be sold on Dorsey, but not Thomas Dimitroff even though he did have his team in the Super Bowl.

[painekiller]

Another point I missed about the Caldwell interview, I thought they were going to let the the new GM pick the HC, shouldn't he be here for the interview process? This has the look of the team getting the Rooney rule out of the way. Caldwell deserve better treatment than that.

[HPF Bob]

Remember when Bob McNair would drop players who ran afoul of the law (and weren't stars)? Now we're coming full circle as the Texans plan to interview former Bengals coach Marvin Lewis

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/marvin-lewis-to-interview-for-texans-head-coaching-vacancy-after-two-years-out-of-nfl-per-report/

whose personnel kept the Cincinnati Police Department busy besides being a generally crappy coach. He was 0-7 in the playoffs as a head coach in 16 seasons, including two wild card losses to the Texans in 2011-12.

He's 62 so they might as well just keep Romeo if they're planning on hiring him. Maybe it's just that the Bagels are this week's opponent or they need to satisfy the Rooney Rule but this is one hire I hope they don't make.

[Warren]

Tony Dungy, who is part of McNair's advisory committee that may or may not actually be a committee, is a vocal proponent of Caldwell.

I wouldn't want Marvin Lewis but I think he is a competent NFL head coach. He never did anything in the playoffs but deserves some credit for getting more out of the notoriously cheap Bengals franchise than anybody else has in a long time.

The Texans interviewed current Director of Player Personnel Matt Bazirgan for the GM position. That must have been an interesting conversation given that he was part of the front office that made terrible move after terrible move. I guess he would have to take the same approach that Easterby clearly has and blame it all on BOB?

Here is a timeline of what interviews are allowed when under the NFL's rules: https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1341528421046824961/photo/1

[HPF Bob]

I'm not sure what there is about the Lions or the Bengals that would make any NFL executive say "I wish we were like those guys".

I'd support Kevin Sumlin for head coach. He had success at UH, minor success at Texas A&M, coached a Heisman winner and runs a very wide-open offense with running QBs. We'd have to find a defensive coach to run the defense because he seems to be to be an offense-only coach but the same was true with Kubiak.

First make a play for Dabo and find out what his price is to try the pros then fall back on Sumlin. That works for me.

[barrett]

I'm not sure what there is about the Lions or the Bengals that would make any NFL executive say "I wish we were like those guys".

I'd support Kevin Sumlin for head coach. He had success at UH, minor success at Texas A&M, coached a Heisman winner and runs a very wide-open offense with running QBs. We'd have to find a defensive coach to run the defense because he seems to be to be an offense-only coach but the same was true with Kubiak.

First make a play for Dabo and find out what his price is to try the pros then fall back on Sumlin. That works for me.

Nothing like hiring a guy who just finished up his winless season at Arizona with a 70-7 loss to rival ASU for ASU's only win of the season. Sumlin will be lucky to find a college coordinator job, so I guess that makes him about as qualified to coach the Texans as a team chaplain is to run them.

[HPF Bob]

I was already aware of this but the guy didn't suddenly forget how to coach. Sounds like some sort of divorce. Sumlin obviously lost control of the team. That happens.

He strikes me as someone who would be a better professional coach than a college one. Just a hunch. And he doesn't need to start at the top. Make him a O-coordinator for an NFL team and see how he does.

[Keith]

I thought they were going to let the the new GM pick the HC, shouldn't he be here for the interview process? This has the look of the team getting the Rooney rule out of the way.Agreed. Let's get a GM and HC on the same page from the jump. Rooney rule was my initial thought too, but I suppose it isn't a poor idea for the Texans to go through a "practice" round of interviewing themselves. Maybe help them query and parse the actual candidates when they interview them?

I wouldn't want Marvin Lewis but I think he is a competent NFL head coach. He never did anything in the playoffs but deserves some credit for getting more out of the notoriously cheap Bengals franchise than anybody else has in a long time.My initial reaction too was to be repulsed by the thought of Lewis. And I'm not trying to convince anyone otherwise here, least of all me, but Lewis had a winning record as HC of the Bengals at 131-122-3. That's like 16 years, and the last 3 had win totals of just 6, 7, and 6. He produced winning teams with such a woeful franchise and ownership. Was also the DC for that stout Ravens defense that won SB XXXV and set a record for fewest points allowed.

Now for the bad - his teams went 0-7 in the playoffs, all wild card games. Six wild card losses over a seven year span actually. Feels very Oiler-esque from their late 80s-early 90s run, but unlike a few of those Oilers squads, how many of those losses did Lewis clearly have the better talent on the field? He entered as the home team with a division championship a few times, but I'm not sure he lost with clearly better talent. His QB for most of those seasons was Andy Dalton, not a HoF guy like Warren Moon.

I'm not sure what there is about the Lions or the Bengals that would make any NFL executive say "I wish we were like those guys".I probably said the same thing about Bill Belichick after his stint with the Browns though.

[HPF Bob]

I probably said the same thing about Bill Belichick after his stint with the Browns though.

I knew this would come up. Belichick was a highly successful DC under Parcells and he had to learn how to coach without Tuna behind him. There are few top head coaches who were big winners with their first head coaching gigs. Most of them (cough, Kubiak) reached their peak with a second team.

But you can't overcome a lack of talent although Bum certainly tried.

[barrett]

I was already aware of this but the guy didn't suddenly forget how to coach. Sounds like some sort of divorce. Sumlin obviously lost control of the team. That happens.

He strikes me as someone who would be a better professional coach than a college one. Just a hunch. And he doesn't need to start at the top. Make him a O-coordinator for an NFL team and see how he does.

He'd be much worse as an NFL coach. He is a fantastic recruiter who then mostly gets the least out of his guys. And it's not like he was great as a coach and then had an off year. He's been on a constant downward spiral since the Manziel days. Manziel won the Heisman and the team went 11-2 in Sumlin's first year at A&M. Since then he's gone...

9-4
8-5
8-5
8-5
7-5
5-7
4-8
0-5

And that includes 12 straight losses currently to complete a pretty easy to spot trend. I legitimately can't think of a worse candidate. But I guess Kliff Kingsburry failed up into the Cardinals job so it's possible Sumlin could fail upwards too.

I'd much prefer an NFL guy like Beinemy or Saleh.

[HPF Bob]

Why hasn't anyone hired Bieniemy as head coach yet?

Well it might be incidents like this:

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2019/1/6/18169793/bengals-coach-search-chiefs-eric-bieniemy-vance-joseph-broncos

Granted, nothing has been added to the list in over a decade but we all know the passage of time doesn't matter to certain activist groups.

[painekiller]

Why hasn't anyone hired Bieniemy as head coach yet?

Well it might be incidents like this:

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2019/1/6/18169793/bengals-coach-search-chiefs-eric-bieniemy-vance-joseph-broncos

Granted, nothing has been added to the list in over a decade but we all know the passage of time doesn't matter to certain activist groups.

Or could it be he is not the guy that is calling the plays?

[painekiller]

Texans appear to be going backwards:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-request-interview-Patriots-Nick-Caserio-GM-15844228.php


And a HC request:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-seek-to-interview-Indianapolis-Matt-15844366.php



If McNair stays with Easterby, then I'm done.

[Arky]

Texans appear to be going backwards:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-request-interview-Patriots-Nick-Caserio-GM-15844228.php


And a HC request:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-seek-to-interview-Indianapolis-Matt-15844366.php



If McNair stays with Easterby, then I'm done.

I could live with Caserio. He's supposed to be a really sharp guy contrary to some of the other Patriot imports...

[painekiller]

I could live with Caserio. He's supposed to be a really sharp guy contrary to some of the other Patriot imports...

I want to move on from the Patriots, no team has been able to emulate the Pats, and I want a real front office. A GM who is the boss, he is the personel guy. He picks the HC. Like most teams in the league.

Without Belichick, this system has not work anywhere else in the league.

[nunusguy]

I could live with Caserio. He's supposed to be a really sharp guy contrary to some of the other Patriot imports...

I thought Caserio had signed a new contract with the Krafts and therefor was
untouchable to any other NFL organizations ?

[Arky]

I want to move on from the Patriots, no team has been able to emulate the Pats, and I want a real front office. A GM who is the boss, he is the personel guy. He picks the HC. Like most teams in the league.

Without Belichick, this system has not work anywhere else in the league.

Understandable. However, it's early in the Belichick/Brady breakup and Belichick's team is not doing that great and Brady's team is doing fine. So, it's possible the greatness that is Brady contributed a lot to Belichick's rep. Probably need a few more years to make an accurate call on that...

I thought Caserio had signed a new contract with the Krafts and therefor was
untouchable to any other NFL organizations ?

I don't know. Just looking at the links from Painekiller, it looked like Caserio is available for interviews.

[Warren]

When the NFL changed up the rules related to hiring in May, they added a prohibition on restricting opportunities for upward mobility through employment contract provisions, such as requirements for the employee to decline interview requests or that the team be compensated if the employee moves, etc. So Caserio can interview if it's for a promotion.

I have seen reports that they requested interviews with Scott Cohen (Ravens Director of Football Research), Trent Kirchner (Seahawks VP of Player Personnel), Malik Boyd (Bills Director of Player Personnel), and Alonzo Highsmith (Seahawks Personnel Executive).

On the HC side, Matt Eberflus (Colts DC) and Brian Daboll (Bills OC).

It has also been reported than O'Brien is talking to Nick Saban about the Alabama OC vacancy.

[painekiller]

and Alonzo Highsmith (Seahawks Personnel Executive).


I was lucky enough to meet Alonzo on a flight back in the days he was a scout for the Packers. I really came away impressed and he was a very likable guy. He has been with a few very good organizations and I for one would be happy to see him end up here in Houston.

[Keith]

Mothership announced they interviewed Omar Khan for GM... very interesting candidate. Has been with Steelers since 2001 and is seen a bit more as a cap guy than traditional scout (though he's been in pro football since graduation from Tulane). Considering the team has some cap obstacles to overcome in 2021 and not many high picks where he could lean on his college scouts, it seems particularly intriguing, especially short-term where the team will build with free agents and contract extensions.

But Khan seems like a guy the Steelers have groomed as a future GM for awhile now. What's crazier is he has a connection to Bill Cowher should Cowher ever decide to be a NFL head coach again. Might a hiring of Khan be also paired with a courtship with Cowher?

And if not Cowher, recall that before becoming the Ravens DC, Marvin Lewis was Cowher's LB coach in the mid-90s... probably a good recommendation in there.

[nunusguy]

Mothership announced they interviewed Omar Khan for GM... very interesting candidate. Has been with Steelers since 2001 and is seen a bit more as a cap guy than traditional scout (though he's been in pro football since graduation from Tulane). Considering the team has some cap obstacles to overcome in 2021 and not many high picks where he could lean on his college scouts, it seems particularly intriguing, especially short-term where the team will build with free agents and contract extensions.

But Khan seems like a guy the Steelers have groomed as a future GM for awhile now. What's crazier is he has a connection to Bill Cowher should Cowher ever decide to be a NFL head coach again. Might a hiring of Khan be also paired with a courtship with Cowher?

And if not Cowher, recall that before becoming the Ravens DC, Marvin Lewis was Cowher's LB coach in the mid-90s... probably a good recommendation in there.

How's he related to the Jags owner ?
Anyway no way the McNair family hires a Muslim dude, not gonna happen.

[Keith]

Don't have the DNA results, but Omar is unrelated to Shad. I do think I read that Omar interviewed recently with the Jaguars.

And I have no idea whether Omar is Muslim. Shad is I think.

[nunusguy]

Early years​[edit]

His mother is a native of Honduras and his father is from India. He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating 1994 from Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie, he matriculated to Tulane University from which he earned a degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration in 3​1⁄2 years.
***
As a student, Khan worked with the Tulane football team as an Undergraduate Assistant. Following his time with the Tulane Football program, Khan served as a Scouting/Personnel Intern with the New Orleans Saints. Once he graduated in 1997, he was brought on in a full-time role by the Saints in the Football Operations Department. He worked his way up the ladder in New Orleans by diligently handling anything that was asked of him.

In 2001 he was hired by the Steelers in the Football Operations/Player Personnel Department. In that role he has helped to assemble two Super Bowl winners. Along with General Manager Kevin Colbert, in 20 seasons they have drafted and signed/extended over 30 Pro Bowl Players
***
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Khan_(administrator)
***
He's from the area, born and raised in NOLA and only 43.
A lot of good football experience with two different, and both truly premiere NFL organization: the Steelers & the Saints.
Yes indeed this guy is interesting.

[painekiller]

Looks like Caserio is the guy.
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/john-mcclain/article/McClain-Expect-Texans-to-hire-Nick-Caserio-and-15848913.php

So most likely Easterby will be staying.

[HPF Bob]

From Casserly to Caserio. The Oilers are nothing if not progressive.

[Keith]

Welp.

John McClain reporting that Caserio will not consider Josh McDaniels as a potential head coach candidate. So I guess that's good that they aren't a package deal.

Caserio may be the right guy for the existing roster management, but the Patriots' draft record over his recent years there is bleak. Of course, would be hard to mess up the Texans 2021 draft without any first and second round picks.

I feel teased by the news the team interviewed Khan, and they apparently ignored all of the candidates suggested by Korn Ferry, their hiring consultants, which is honestly quite funny and very much on brand for this team.

[nunusguy]

After twice being blocked by the Patriots from interviewing for the Texans’ general manager job in the past three years, Nick Caserio has a deal in place to become the next general manager in Houston, a league source confirmed to the Globe on Tuesday night.


The Patriots have suffered an exodus of coaches and front office talent over the last few years, including Matt Patricia, Brian Flores, Joe Judge, and Monti Ossenfort. Now they are set to lose Caserio, who has been the Patriots’ director of player personnel and Bill Belichick’s right-hand man since 2008.

Caserio, 45, has been a valuable and versatile member of the Patriots’ organization since joining the team as a personnel assistant in 2001. He quickly rose up the ladder to become the top football executive under Belichick in 2008, and he also was an on-field coach in 2002 and 2007.
***
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/05/sports/patriots-nick-caserio-finalizing-deal-become-general-manager-houston-texans/
***
So FWIW the Boston Globe seems to think Caserios departure is a significant
loss.
I'll have to watch Eisen today and see what that little snot-nosed guy from Boston on his show thinks of the Texans new hire.

[chuck]

The Franchise seems ambivalent:

https://twitter.com/deshaunwatson/status/1346682764523839488?s=20

[bikerack]

My friend with the team (who is very seriously considering leaving) told me that the behind-the-scenes situation with the players is untenable right now. He told me "unless something else changes, they've lost the team...every player".

[nunusguy]

My friend with the team (who is very seriously considering leaving) told me that the behind-the-scenes situation with the players is untenable right now. He told me "unless something else changes, they've lost the team...every player".
Specifically what is the problem(s) that the players are upset about ?

[Keith]

My friend with the team (who is very seriously considering leaving) told me that the behind-the-scenes situation with the players is untenable right now. He told me "unless something else changes, they've lost the team...every player".
Caserio signed 6 years $30 million. I don't think any Texans player is under contract that long?

Something will change, the team will hire a new head coach, and from that, the rest of the staff will be determined. Easy to understand the player perspective since it resembles the fans, but they're obviously living it; their lives depend upon where they work.

But the players play for the coach, not the GM. So hopefully the new head coach will mend some of those hurt feelings.

Can't think of a worse time though to be a fan of this franchise.

[Keith]

My friend with the team (who is very seriously considering leaving) told me that the behind-the-scenes situation with the players is untenable right now. He told me "unless something else changes, they've lost the team...every player".
Caserio signed 6 years $30 million. I don't think any Texans player is under contract that long? Easy to understand the player perspective since it resembles the fans, but they're obviously living it; their lives depend upon where they work.

Something will change - - the team will hire a new head coach, and from that, the rest of the staff will be determined.

The players play for the coach, not the GM. So hopefully the new head coach will mend some of those hurt feelings.

Can't think of a worse time though to be a fan of this franchise.

[bikerack]

Specifically what is the problem(s) that the players are upset about ?

This is where I enter into "I can't repeat everything territory" per a request from my friend.

I would just say that if you listen to DW4's last media event where he talked about needing a culture change and there are mixed messages as to who is in charge, you can connect the dots.

[bikerack]

Caserio signed 6 years $30 million. I don't think any Texans player is under contract that long? Easy to understand the player perspective since it resembles the fans, but they're obviously living it; their lives depend upon where they work.

Something will change - - the team will hire a new head coach, and from that, the rest of the staff will be determined.

The players play for the coach, not the GM. So hopefully the new head coach will mend some of those hurt feelings.

Can't think of a worse time though to be a fan of this franchise.

That is my hope too. Any pissed off feelings will hopefully blow over as long as the right HC is brought in (that is truly a Caserio hire) and Caserio/the new HC set the culture.

[barrett]

My friend with the team (who is very seriously considering leaving) told me that the behind-the-scenes situation with the players is untenable right now. He told me "unless something else changes, they've lost the team...every player".

It's obviously not every player since Cooks came out vocally in support. But it's not surprising if it's some or most of the players. Why wouldn't players on this franchise be upset? What blows my mind is the idea the players are upset now over a GM hire, but nobody said anything when Hopkins was shipped out.

[bikerack]

It's obviously not every player since Cooks came out vocally in support. But it's not surprising if it's some or most of the players. Why wouldn't players on this franchise be upset? What blows my mind is the idea the players are upset now over a GM hire, but nobody said anything when Hopkins was shipped out.

Who is best buds with the new GM? Who is best buds with Cooks?

Expect some very direct questions to Caserio in the PC tomorrow. Will be telling how he reacts to questions about certain subjects and individuals.

[bikerack]

New HC nuggets today.

Brady was VERY impressive in his interview.

Daboll is in play and shares an agent with Caserio and others in the org.

Saleh is very much in play.

[bikerack]

Sounds like Caserio wants to interview Bienemy. Still some internal discussions about it...could see a request going out soon.

[chuck]

Who is best buds with the new GM? Who is best buds with Cooks?

That guy is a total cancer, isn't he? It's annoying yet totally unsurprising that Necktown media won't take him on. You know, it's funny, someone called out Pancakes for letting national media scoop them on an obvious story about what a total POS this guy is and Pancakes got all offended saying that the paper has a strict and correct policy of not publishing stories that rely on unnamed sources and literally yesterday I read one or another of that fckwit's pieces in that disgraceful paper and of course it relied on unnamed sources.

Houston is a total joke.

[barrett]

Who is best buds with the new GM? Who is best buds with Cooks?

Expect some very direct questions to Caserio in the PC tomorrow. Will be telling how he reacts to questions about certain subjects and individuals.

You don't have to convince me this franchise is dysfunctional. I was just pointing out every player isn't upset.

[Warren]

I would've been thrilled with Caserio if they'd have gotten him when they fired Gaine. Now, not so much, although I'm slowly warming up to it (the bar couldn't have been set much lower). I would've liked to see a fresh perspective brought in rather than what sure looks like the continuation of the failed wannabe New England model. The "Patriot way" has yet to be successfully replicated anywhere and, as has been mentioned, the original hasn't done much in the way of unearthing talent in a long time.

It doesn't help that the completely unqualified guy who worked arm-in-arm with BOB on what may be the worst run of personnel moves in NFL history is not only still employed but was actually directly responsible for this hire.

[barrett]

If Watson is upset that Jack Easterby had say on the hire and will somehow continue to have power over Caserio then I totally get it.

But if it's anything to do with him not being consulted on a GM hire, then I am happy they didn't consult players in hiring a GM.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30670344/houston-texans-qb-deshaun-watson-bothered-team-hiring-process-sources-say

I do hope he's consulted on the Head Coach we hire.

[bikerack]

Latest tidbits...

DW4 changed his schedule to stay on vacation longer.

Joe Brady is the leader in the clubhouse but will not accept the job unless he sits with DW4 first.

The Tim Kelly thing wasn't an interview for HC. It was more of an introductory thing with Caserio.

[bikerack]

Regarding all the ESPN reports today about DW4. They may be coming from his agent but they aren't coming from Watson. He extended his vacation in Cabo for his girlfriend's bday and has not contacted anyone with the team.

My friend says everyone needs to chill until he gets back and speaks for himself.

[Keith]

Thanks for these updates. I don't like that it seems Deshaun is essentially holding the head coach hiring process hostage at this point. If I were Brady or anyone else at this point interested in the job, I wouldn't accept it either without at least getting in touch with Watson.

I respect Watson wanting to keep business from affecting his vacation though, but if you want to be involved in the process, then be involved when it's time.

On a separate note, the news that the Texans were going to offer Omar Khan the GM position until Easterby swooped in to convince Cal to fly in Caserio for the hire is just outrageous. Partly because I liked the idea of Khan taking the role, but also because of the continued demonstrated influence Easterby has over Cal and this organization. The longer this team goes without a head coach hiring settled, the worse this turmoil feels.

[painekiller]

Cal is a cluster&uck. He seems to be in over his head. He likes to be in the background, and have others feed him advice. Doesn't seem to do his own groundwork.

Why pay the search firm if you are going to ignore them.

If they move on from DW4 then I'm done.

[Keith]

Sounds like Caserio wants to interview Bienemy. Still some internal discussions about it...could see a request going out soon.

Request from Texans is out to interview Eric Bienemy. The public talk is that this is to placate Watson or at least directed by Watson. I'm not so certain given Caserio might have (probably?) wanted to interview him with or without Watson's endorsement.

[Keith]

Angry Dre is back!!! I love to see it.
Andre Johnson
@johnson80
If I’m @deshaunwatson I will stand my ground. The Texans organization is known for wasting players careers. Since Jack Easterby has walk into the building nothing good has happened in/for the organization and for some reason someone can’t seem to see what’s going on. Pathetic!!!https://twitter.com/johnson80/status/1349084500840640518

[bikerack]

If you didn't notice, DW4 is back (he was at the Rox game last night with Dre).

Latest nuggets...


Dre's tweet fell on deaf ears.
Watson has not requested a trade and still prefers to play for HOU.
Caserio has hit the ground running and has actually slept at his office a couple of nights to try to catch up.

[nunusguy]

It's downright breathtaking how little experience some of these NFL HC candidates have these days like for example some guy named Brandon Staley
the Texans are gonna interview who's been like been a LB coach a couple years in the league and just a single year as the Rams DC.

[bikerack]

The league is about to step into the situation. Its gotten that big behind the scenes.

[chuck]

The league is about to step into the situation. Its gotten that big behind the scenes.

I don't understand why the league would get involved. What's their concern? The Texans have always had some know nothing snake oil huckster with the ear of the owner. The organization usually awards that person the title "General Manager." So I don't see what the big deal is that the team chaplain is running the football org.

[bikerack]

I don't understand why the league would get involved. What's their concern? The Texans have always had some know nothing snake oil huckster with the ear of the owner. The organization usually awards that person the title "General Manager." So I don't see what the big deal is that the team chaplain is running the football org.

As it has been explained to me by my friend, some of the issues being brought to light (by the SI articles, etc.) border on EEOC complaints.

Also, Cal's messaging (both externally and internally) did not work. Expect more players to start speaking out. They don't want JE in the bldg.

Many inside the org think it will eventually boil down to JE or DW4 very soon. If the league sees an uprising from the entire team against the ownership/management, they are going to step in (very quietly or not) for PR purposes alone. This is not a good look for the Texans OR the NFL.

[bikerack]

tweet from Lopez...

https://twitter.com/LopezOnSports/status/1350568072474669062

Been out of pocket all day doing family stuff, but catching up on texts from sources:
Texans are leaning toward accommodating J.J. and he'll likely be moved. And Deshaun is, in fact, legit alienated.
"Pretty much irreparable," I'm told.
Also: "You'll hear from J.J. next."

[bikerack]

more tidbits...

"Easterby is the groveling ex-girlfriend playing victim and Cal can't see it"

JE is telling everyone he can in the building that he is going to file a defamation suit against SI.

Apparently there have been death threats against JE which has also raised the league's eyebrows.

My friend thinks that due to all of this, the Texans are going to hire a "Dusty Baker" to be a stop-gap. No one wants this job.

[chuck]

That idiot isn’t filing a lawsuit against anybody, and he’s obviously lying about the death threats.

I didn’t think Cal would be any sort of improvement over his father, regardless of how low a bar he set, and I correctly assumed he was stupid, but I did not allow for the possibility that he might be insane.

[HPF Bob]

Could someone provide the quick version on Easterby's alleged misconduct? I missed it with my other battles.

As for the "Dusty Baker" to calm the locker room, you mean to say Romeo doesn't do that already?

[bikerack]

Could someone provide the quick version on Easterby's alleged misconduct? I missed it with my other battles.

As for the "Dusty Baker" to calm the locker room, you mean to say Romeo doesn't do that already?

Regarding the first question, there has been talk about required Bible study/prayer times...keyword being "required". This is where some of the "too many people think they are in charge" statement came from. Why can JE force me to be somewhere if he isn't my coach?

Regarding the second question, they are interviewing Frazier today. I have not heard anything about Romeo, but I would not be surprised if he retires. I have been told that the longer this goes on, more people (including my friend) will just leave.

[Warren]

I don't understand why the league would get involved. What's their concern? The Texans have always had some know nothing snake oil huckster with the ear of the owner. The organization usually awards that person the title "General Manager." So I don't see what the big deal is that the team chaplain is running the football org.Besides the issues about religion in the workplace, there is also the fact that there were two search processes -- the one where Cal and Easterby hired Caserio (without, I think, even a formal interview unless you count when they flew up and offered him the job), and the one where Cal, Jamey Rootes, and Jed Hughes interviewed the other "candidates," which included the interviews that made the Texans compliant with the Rooney Rule. So in the first hiring cycle after the NFL revised the Rooney Rule, the NFL could look into whether the sham interview process was really a good-faith effort to comply.

The league "stepping in" could also just mean Goodell or someone else from the league office sitting down with Cal and trying to help him since he is so clearly in over his head and seems to have no clue what's going on. Having an owner look so completely inept isn't in the NFL's best interest.

[chuck]

Yeah, I can see where his total ineptitude would be a bad look for the league. Although there are several other serially inept owners.

I hadn’t appreciated that Easterby’s zealotry had become a workplace issue, but if he’s trying to make players attend prayer sessions, obviously it has. I mean, that’s just absolutely egregious.

[Warren]

A former team chaplain turned “character coach” in New England and now Houston’s executive VP of football operations, Easterby had made a habit of asking coworkers to take his hand and pray for wisdom when making workplace decisions. He often did so with people who reported to him; some felt they had no choice but to oblige, even if this made them uncomfortable.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/01/16/texans-chaos-deshaun-watson-unhappy-how-jack-easterby-kept-his-job

[bikerack]

Staley to LAC
Dan Campbell to DET

Texans and Eagles are the last 2 with vacancies.

EB, Daboll and Brady still available...

Saw something interesting today where the Texans interviewed Leslie Frazier today and are interviewing David Culley (BALT asst HC/WRs) tomorrow.

Both have history with EB.

Could we really be interviewing EB's future DC and OC?

[Keith]

Frazier is already a DC for the Bills. Not sure why he would make what feels like a lateral move? The Bills, in spite of their success this season, are still something of a poverty franchise, so perhaps a pay increase could be involved.

I of course don't know, but talking with guys who worked with Bieniemy previously almost seems as much like they are checking with Bieniemy's references.

The league is allowing the teams (notably the Texans and Eagles) to speak with candidates still coaching their current teams in the playoffs, so the Texans will talk with Bieniemy today per reports. Maybe this is the league's version of stepping in?

[Keith]

Eagles have hired a head coach, leaving the Texans opening as the last one to be filled. So the first one to be opened will be the last one filled.

Assuming they fill it... never know with this franchise. Ya know they didn't really find a GM after Brian Gaine until Caserio was hired two weeks ago.

[HPF Bob]

Maybe the Oilers can now hire Bienemy so the league can save face since every liberal sports journalist thinks racism is the ONLY possible reason Bienemy hasn't been hired yet. Watson is already on record that he wants Bienemy. Frankly, if he can turn around the Oilers, Bienemy deserves every plaudit he gets.

[Keith]

Texans announce they've interviewed BACKUP QB Josh McCown for head coach and re-interviewed Jim Caldwell (his first though since Caserio was hired).

Caldwell is a Dungy guy, and Dungy was part of Cal's advisor group, however informal that group may have been. He took over a very good Colts team from Dungy and led it to the Super Bowl, losing to the Saints. It was Peyton's team though; once Manning wasn't playing, the Colts sucked, and Caldwell was fired.

Caldwell then was part of a Ravens Super Bowl staff before becoming the Lions HC. Spent 4 seasons there and left with a winning record.

McCown has spent some time between NFL gigs helping coach at the HS level for many years. Well respected, from Texas and played collegiately at SMU and Sam. Has involvement with FCA and related church groups, which probably makes him a candidate for Easterby.

[chuck]

That seems like a bold move, bypass the college ranks altogether and reach down into high school to find you a coach. I wonder if that guy from Katy is interested in an interview. Anyone know where he attends church?

[barrett]

Maybe the Oilers can now hire Bienemy so the league can save face since every liberal sports journalist thinks racism is the ONLY possible reason Bienemy hasn't been hired yet. Watson is already on record that he wants Bienemy. Frankly, if he can turn around the Oilers, Bienemy deserves every plaudit he gets.

I get annoyed at the constant refrain, but can you come up with another reason he doesn't have a job? The past 2 OCs there both quickly got HC jobs even thought neither called plays either. And obviously there offense has done far better under Bienemy then previous guys. If Kingbury can fail up because he coached Mahomes in college, why doesn't Bienemy get a job for actually succeeding with Mahomes? Why has Bienemy made the same amount of job progress as McCown? Can you come up with another reason why he's not a HC?

I remember a few years ago the refrain was that teams wanted offensive guys and there were no black OCs and that's why they weren't getting HC jobs. Then this year you have black OCs in the top offense (KC) and another top 4 offense (TB) and neither found any of the half dozen jobs.

[nunusguy]

Personal life
During the 2017 offseason, McCown, his wife Natalie, and their four children moved from Waxhaw, North Carolina to Waxahachie, Texas.[299][300][301][302] He is a Christian.[303] He grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan.[304] His inspiration for wearing No. 12, the jersey number that he wore the majority of his career, comes from Roger Staubach, who also wore No. 12.[305][304][295][39] He was also a fan of Cowboys players Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman. He was a fan of quarterbacks Joe Montana, John Elway, and Randall Cunningham.[68]

McCown is the older brother of former NFL quarterback Luke McCown and younger brother of former Texas A&M quarterback Randy McCown.[306] In 2003, the McCown brothers hosted the first-ever McCown Passing Camp in their hometown of Jacksonville, Texas.[4][307][308][309]

McCown is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.[68] He has served in Pro Athletes Outreach and Coaches Time Out, which are both ministries.[181] He has also spent time speaking to church youth and men's groups during the offseason.[68]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_McCown
--
Ok here it is. So we know that Tommy Boy is a big-time Jesus freak plus he's very likely a Cowboys fan, you know he's just got that Baby Huey look about him.
But I can see Cal, Easterby, and Josh all holding hands together while they pray for devine guidance on the right path to the SB for the Texans. Yea these Bible pounders really believe that BS works.
McGown is the anti-Bieniemy in practically every way, so in other words just the kind of guy the McNairs are looking for as their next HC.

[chuck]

Ahbee got dang. After all these years nunu finally makes a sensible post.

[HPF Bob]

Wow. Did Hetero Doxy sneak back in? Looks like ignorance, bigotry and intolerance on parade here. I find the direction of this conversation highly insulting on multiple levels.

I don't know Cal, Easterby or Caserio or their personal beliefs and I don't know if I would agree with them but to insult the fundamental beliefs of hundreds of millions of Christians is deeply offensive to me.

I would rather just terminate my account than be subjected to such hatred.

[Keith]

Wow, Bob with a member callback to the old HPF days.
Memories...

With Bieniemy headed with the Chiefs to the Super Bowl, silence from the Texans on a coaching hire for a full two weeks would seem deafening. The last to fill their HC opening, I suppose they should be in no rush assuming Bienemy already has a Defensive Coordinator in mind. The Texans are blocking other teams from talking to OC Tim Kelly, which seems to indicate that he isn't leaving.

[chuck]

Wow, Bob with a member callback to the old HPF days.
Memories...

Ankle-grabbing Bushneck polesmoke trailertrash.

[chuck]

Lackey. Damn it. How could I forget lackey.

[HPF Bob]

Ankle-grabbing Bushneck polesmoke trailertrash.

You forget... BUSH is on YOUR team now, Bubba! He voted for Hillary AND Bid*n.

He's yours and you can have his RINO traitor Clinton-kissing commie-loving defense contractor cheerleading ass. He and his whole murderous family. Never voting for another Bush ever again or his RINO stooge Cornyn.

[chuck]

Sounds good. Let us know if there's anything about Watson's future in any of the upcoming Q drops.

[bikerack]

My friend has been out of pocket for a while...took some time off to really think about whether he is going to stay with the team. For now, he's waiting like we all are to see what happens.

One new nugget...JE was not involved in the original GM interviews. He caught wind that the original choice (the assumption is that it was Kahn) was going to fire him and that is when everything went nuts. JE started to work whatever magic he has over Cal and yada, yada, yada...Caserio was hired. He still doesn't have the full story, but the people who do were shocked at the last-minute change.

This is an educated guess on my friend's part but he thinks DW4 was told about the original GM choice (or at least it was discussed) and then next thing you know, Caserio was hired. He feels lied to and the feeling within the building is that there is less than a 30% chance the fence gets mended...

[Keith]

@McClain_on_NFL
McClain: I expect David Culley to be hired over Leslie Frazier as Texans coach
https://twitter.com/McClain_on_NFL/status/1354607431498788866

"I think he's honest," (Andy) Reid said. "I think he gives you the same picture every day. He's upbeat and he loves life. He's an energy giver and he's optimistic.

"If things aren't going well, he's going to find out the problem and he's going to fix it. He's not going to hang his head about it. He's brutally honest with the players saying, 'Hey you're doing a great job' or 'You're screwing up. Here's what you have to do.'

"He really teaches them."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-david-culley/ar-BB1d9by1

@AaronWilson_NFL
David Culley, traveling to Houston on Tuesday for his second job interview with Texans, coached Deshaun Watson in the Pro Bowl last year as part of Ravens' coaching staff. Watson and Culley built a really good connection that week, according to sources
https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1353843248167583744

[painekiller]

Its official, its Culley.

[Keith]

Some quick resume diving on Culley... obv a first-time HC at 65 years old is a bit of an eyebrow raiser, but he has been involved on coaching some rather impressive passing offenses for almost 3 decades now. Between retaining OC Tim Kelly and picking a guy Watson reportedly liked during Pro Bowl week a year ago, we can try to hope DW4 is on board with this.

Steelers WR Coach (under Cowher) - Lost AFC Conference Title in '97
Eagles WR Coach (Reid) - Lost Super Bowl '04, Lost NFC Conference 4x
Chiefs AHC (Reid) - playoffs 3 of 4 years
Bills QB Coach (McDermott) - playoffs 1 of 2 years
Ravens AHC (Harbaugh) - playoffs both years

McCown and Lovie Smith reportedly joining the staff, too.

[Warren]

Old interview from when he joined the Chiefs: https://www.chiefs.com/video/coach-s-corner-david-culley-11256873

Reminds me of Herm Edwards.

[Keith]

Culley has worked with (among others obv): Kordell Stewart, Donovan McNabb, Lamar Jackson. Would like to see Deshaun Watson added to that list.

[chuck]

The only way this makes any sense is if Deshaun said If you hire this guy I’ll settle down.

Otherwise it’s up there with trading your best players for nothing or giving away the farm for a guy you don’t even have extended, in other words, typical Nexans.

I realize that very few if any credible candidates wanted this job, but come on.

[Arky]

Well, I guess if Watson stays, it's worth it.

Remains to be seen whether the new coach can rise above Ed Biles or Bill Peterson type production....

Having a coach that the players want to play for is so important, no?

Still, it is fun to speculate if Watson wants out, the Texans could get a gold mine for him - if they don't screw it up....

[Keith]

I realize that very few if any credible candidates wanted this job, but come on.Rumor is that Bieniemy wanted some amount of say in the personnel, and that was pretty much game over for Caserio.

Culley sounds a lot like the "culture fit" type that Easterby and Cal want. So... that's not really encouraging.

I like the narrative portion of Lovie Smith becoming the DC. I'm just not so sure I'm as sold on the X's & O's portion of it. Smith's HC career has just spiraled out of control since departing the Bears with rough stops in Tampa then at the college level at Illinois. Not sure how his philosophy has changed, but he was a big cover-2 guy (a "Tampa 2" really, dropping MLB into coverage) back in the day and probably still is. I'm a bit rusty on this D, but I'm not sure how that scheme at all works in the NFL these days. And I definitely question whether the Texans have anywhere near the personnel to run it.

[painekiller]

I'm done. I've deleted my Texans app. I am moving on. I think I'm going to be a Chiefs fan. I hate the Cowboys, and IMO the Saints are at the end of their run. So the Chiefs are the choice. They are also a front runner and that will be fun for a while.

See you guys later

[chuck]

These idiots chose a fking youth pastor over their best players. I mean, that is literally what happened. I'm used to total incompetence from Houston professional sports, but this is a new wrinkle.

[bikerack]

This is the stop-gap "Dusty Baker" type of hire he predicted back on page 3 of this thread.

The thinking/prediction around the watercooler is that in 2 years, McCown will step in to be HC.

[chuck]

Did they get to the point where they offered the job to Brady but were turned down or did they eventually cool on him for whatever reason?

Do you know if any candidate explicitly turned the job down? Surely there were guys who declined an interview.

[bikerack]

Did they get to the point where they offered the job to Brady but were turned down or did they eventually cool on him for whatever reason?

Do you know if any candidate explicitly turned the job down? Surely there were guys who declined an interview.

My understanding is that the closest they came to offering a job to anyone was asking EB what it would take. He wanted truckloads of cash and partial roster control. That was a no-go...

As has been said here and elsewhere, I think this was their back-up plan all along and guys they have been interviewing have actually been for staff positions on the team (i.e. McCown and maybe Caldwell).

[HPF Bob]

I wasn't going to say it earlier because I thought Culley's hire might have had backchannel approval from Watson but, since it appears it wasn't, explain how the Oilers publicly interviewed two African-Americans and one white for the head coaching job and then picked the (very old) white guy with no HC experience thinking Watson would be down with that?

I don't care if the white coach was Vince Lombardi, blacks will perceive this as a slap in the face - more "white privilege". How tone deaf can they be? This isn't about Culley or his qualifications. He just walked into a hornet's nest. But, man, this has Bud Adams written all over it.

[bikerack]

I wasn't going to say it earlier because I thought Culley's hire might have had backchannel approval from Watson but, since it appears it wasn't, explain how the Oilers publicly interviewed two African-Americans and one white for the head coaching job and then picked the (very old) white guy with no HC experience thinking Watson would be down with that?

I don't care if the white coach was Vince Lombardi, blacks will perceive this as a slap in the face - more "white privilege". How tone deaf can they be? This isn't about Culley or his qualifications. He just walked into a hornet's nest. But, man, this has Bud Adams written all over it.

In case you haven't seen, Culley is being called the first black HC hired during this cycle...

https://www.nj.com/sports/2021/01/ex-eagles-coach-ravens-assistant-david-culley-hired-to-become-the-texans-new-head-coach.html

Cully is the first Black head coach to be hired in this current coaching cycle. Due to the new rule passed by the NFL owners this season, the Ravens will receive a compensatory third-round pick in this year’s draft and the 2022 draft because the Texans hired Culley.

[chuck]

So I guess Culley can use the White restroom in Buford Holler if he's a mind to.

[barrett]

I wasn't going to say it earlier because I thought Culley's hire might have had backchannel approval from Watson but, since it appears it wasn't, explain how the Oilers publicly interviewed two African-Americans and one white for the head coaching job and then picked the (very old) white guy with no HC experience thinking Watson would be down with that?

I don't care if the white coach was Vince Lombardi, blacks will perceive this as a slap in the face - more "white privilege". How tone deaf can they be? This isn't about Culley or his qualifications. He just walked into a hornet's nest. But, man, this has Bud Adams written all over it.

What??????

[HPF Bob]

In case you haven't seen, Culley is being called the first black HC hired during this cycle...


I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions based on a couple of media photos, but that's the palest-looking black since Rachel Dolezal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Dolezal

[bikerack]

Sounds like Cal is skipping the Culley presser today

[chuck]

Sounds like Cal is skipping the Culley presser today

Tent revival out Rosenberg way.

[bikerack]

My friend has survived the purge so far but he says more pink slips are coming...I think he isn't going to quit on his own accord for right now but wouldn't mind being fired (severance)...

Players are understandably upset that the equipment manager and his staff were let go.

There are 2 people happy at NRG right now and Caserio isn't one of them. Sounds like he is regretting his decision...

Watson has communicated (not himself directly) his willingness to sit out the entire year.

[chuck]

I'd heard that Caserio is regretting his decision to take the job and wondered if it was true. I mean, he had to know what sort of a shitshow he was getting into, right? And if it all stems from Cal's ceding who knows how much authority to Easterby, he knows Easterby well and should have known what sort of chaos an idiot like that can create when left unimpeded and/or he should, as GM, have the authority to correct any egregious power imbalance.

But I guess not.

At some point, when it's appropriate, I would be interested to know in what sort of position your friend serves (served). I have no interest in figuring out who he is or any of that, I've always just wondered what his role is and where his point of interaction with the team is.

I wonder if Deshaun is ever going to go public with his point of view. Despite the organization's blistering incompetence being on full display, there is a considerable amount of pro-organization, anti-Deshaun sentiment out there. That's to be expected in a place like Houston, of course, but if this drags on, and it appears that it will, I think he needs some PR.

[barrett]

I'd heard that Caserio is regretting his decision to take the job and wondered if it was true. I mean, he had to know what sort of a shitshow he was getting into, right? And if it all stems from Cal's ceding who knows how much authority to Easterby, he knows Easterby well and should have known what sort of chaos an idiot like that can create when left unimpeded and/or he should, as GM, have the authority to correct any egregious power imbalance.

But I guess not.

At some point, when it's appropriate, I would be interested to know in what sort of position your friend serves (served). I have no interest in figuring out who he is or any of that, I've always just wondered what his role is and where his point of interaction with the team is.

I wonder if Deshaun is ever going to go public with his point of view. Despite the organization's blistering incompetence being on full display, there is a considerable amount of pro-organization, anti-Deshaun sentiment out there. That's to be expected in a place like Houston, of course, but if this drags on, and it appears that it will, I think he needs some PR.

I haven't heard any anti-Deshaun sentiment. The guy had to tell fans to not protest on his behalf in the middle of a quarantine. He is universally beloved in this city and I don't know one person who is holding this against him. Who in Houston are you talking to that is anti-Deshaun?

[chuck]

I haven't heard any anti-Deshaun sentiment. The guy had to tell fans to not protest on his behalf in the middle of a quarantine. He is universally beloved in this city and I don't know one person who is holding this against him. Who in Houston are you talking to that is anti-Deshaun?

Go to texanstalk and you'll get all the pro-org idiocy you want.

See also: Twitter

There is plenty - plenty - of He done signed a contract an he gown honor by gum sentiment out there. And Go head awn an let him sit out, this ain't the NBA.

I'll never really understand why necks who don't even have a full spool of bob wire to their names will side with billionaire owners over millionaire players. And before anyone suggests the obvious, they do it with white players, too. It's a real puzzler.

[bikerack]

I'm not anti-Deshaun but mentally, I have moved on. I wish him nothing but the best and hope he wins a SB wherever he goes.

Now, if he stays in HOU, I'll be pleasantly surprised and continue to root for him.

[bikerack]

I'm sure everyone has seen that Jamey Rootes resigned effective immediately. He tried to resign weeks ago but was talked into waiting.

[barrett]

Go to texanstalk and you'll get all the pro-org idiocy you want.

See also: Twitter

There is plenty - plenty - of He done signed a contract an he gown honor by gum sentiment out there. And Go head awn an let him sit out, this ain't the NBA.

I'll never really understand why necks who don't even have a full spool of bob wire to their names will side with billionaire owners over millionaire players. And before anyone suggests the obvious, they do it with white players, too. It's a real puzzler.

I saw a watson trade thread on there with 3000 replies and in the first 100 or so all I saw was either don't trade him or amateur draftniks drooling over picks. I have no idea what's on Twitter, but I assume nothing good since it's the worst of humanity.

But I think the huge majority of Houston is firmly in Watson's camp. I would guess the Texans permanently lose a whole lot of fans if they trade him. I don't think he has any need of a PR man whether he stays or goes. I fully agree with you it's dumb that people call players greedy when a player and owner argue over money. I think it's easier for most people to be jealous of players than owners. Most people have met great athletes (even if it was just in HS). I have a feeling if most people met the super rich they would quickly switch sides.