Deshaun Watson Has Singled Out His Choice For the Houston Texans Next Head Coach
The Houston Texans are a few days removed from firing longtime head coach Bill O’Brien. It has opened up a franchise-changing decision for the Texans to make with their next hiring. That has also not taken long for star quarterback Deshaun Watson to voice who he wants Houston to pursue as their next head coach.
Texans fire Bill O’Brien
The Houston Texans have faltered through the first month of the season, starting with an 0-4 record.
It quickly led to the franchise electing to fire longtime head coach Bill O’Brien after six-plus seasons. He served in a dual role that included being the general manager.
The 50-year-old helped bring stability to Houston with four AFC South division titles in the last five years. However, the team struggled to breakthrough in the playoffs reaching no further than the divisional round and had a pair of wildcard exits.
What may have weighed into the decision could be the internal issues that arose. O’Brien made several questionable decisions in his pseudo general manager role. He executed the highly unpopular and surprising move to trade star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason. There was also recent chatter around a rough back-and-forth between him and J.J. Watt.
Nonetheless, the franchise is moving forward without O’Brien in the fold.
Deshaun Watson advocating for Eric Bieniemy
The Texans have cleaned their slate after letting go of Bill O’Brien, which has immediately opened up many options.
It hasn’t taken long for star quarterback Deshaun Watson to chime in with the pending situation regarding the team’s search for their next head coach. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Watson is already advocating strongly for the franchise to bring in current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
The 51-year-old has become a hot commodity over the last couple of years due to his work in the Chiefs offense, helping orchestrate one of the league’s best units. Bieniemy is highly regarded around the NFL as one of the bright offensive minds that has excelled in his role in Kansas City.
He had an opportunity to garner a head coaching gig last season but chose to return to the Chiefs. The Texans could be his best option as he would work with one of the game’s best young quarterbacks. The pairing could help bring a stronger approach offensively that pushes the franchise beyond just playoff contention.
If the Texans are interested in Bieniemy, the team may have to wait until next offseason. It’s hard to envision him passing up an opportunity to contend for another Super Bowl with the Chiefs this season.
Houston will have their options
The Texans are off to a sluggish start to begin the 2020 season that has quickly pushed them out of playoff contention.
Despite the postseason picture expanding another spot this year, it will be an uphill battle to secure a berth. The team will move comfortably with Romeo Crennel as their interim head coach as he has previous experience in that role. Although he didn’t experience much success during his stints with the Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, his presence does provide a steady hand.
There is also no rush for the franchise to find their next head coach this season. Houston can wait until after the 2020 campaign to explore their options as other coaches could become available. Eric Bieniemy is likely high on the list, but the team will have a slew of options in due time.
