The Houston Texans plan to conduct additional follow-up interviews with one or more of their coaching candidates early next week, by sources – a critical moment in the NFL’s last open search, and one that continues to include several experienced and respected Black Coaches in one none were hired.
Former Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell had a second interview – and the first with new Texas general manager Nick Caserio – last week. Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy are eligible for a second interview after the AFC title game on Sunday. Baltimore Ravens assistant coach David Culley is also a candidate, as are Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and veteran NFL quarterback Josh McCown.
Despite all the scrutiny of the Texans’ search process and speculation about the future of quarterback Deshaun Watson amid frustration with his lack of information, Houston got a coveted GM at Caserio, who won six Super Bowl rings in New England. Now, Texans are exercising patience with the diverse group of head coach candidates they have met since Caserio took control of the research.
Hiring well-balanced Frazier or Caldwell – two former assistants to Hall of Fame trainer Tony Dungy, who consulted Texas owner Cal McNair about the rental – would provide a steady hand for a franchise that needs it after the tumultuous four months it started with the October resignation of coach / GM Bill O’Brien.
After months of discussion about the NFL’s enhanced diversity efforts, this would also make Texans only the second team to hire a minority head coach in this cycle; the New York Jets hired Robert Saleh, who is Lebanese, earlier this month.
McCown’s interview, 41, caused a sensation on Friday because it would be his first job as a coach, although he has played 19 seasons in the NFL and has been a technical player for the past five. McCown always planned to enter as a coach and has long been identified as a future head coach in the NFL. But his plan is to watch his kids play football in high school for the next few years first, and he is still considering his options, according to sources. Hired by the Eagles’ training team in November, McCown is under contract with the Texans – as a player – for 2021.
Watson’s frustration is well documented, but he did not release any exchange requests nor did the Texans show any interest in negotiating him, according to sources. The Texans rejected several requests from other teams to interview offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, whom Watson likes. The eventual hiring of the head coach can help determine what happens next.
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