How we got here
Aaron Reiss, Texas beat writer: The Texans chased Caserio for the first time in 2019, after firing Gaine after one season. But the Patriots threatened Houston with accusations of tampering centered on the charge that Easterby, a former New England character trainer, tried to recruit Caserio at a Patriots ring ceremony in the Super Bowl. The Texans gave up on their pursuit, resulting in O’Brien eventually leading the office. The coach struggled in that capacity, making a series of plays that showed a worthwhile misunderstanding – most notably swapping All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins for Arizona for a runoff choice and running David Johnson at the end of last season. After a 0-4 start this year, O’Brien was fired from his duties as head coach and general manager.
Why Caserio was Houston’s choice
Reiss: It appears that Easterby, who served as interim GM this season, still has some energy, even after team chairman Cal McNair said he would not be involved in the search process and that the next general manager would determine Easterby’s role in the future. (Easterby’s current position is executive vice president of football operations.) Easterby and Caserio are friends of their time together in New England and are represented by the same agent.
What is the next?
Reiss: McNair said that the next general manager will have significant influence over the hiring of the next head coach. The Texans have already interviewed former Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, former Colts and Lions coach Jim Caldwell and Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Caserio’s signing is expected to put some candidates with ties to the Patriots at stake, such as New England’s offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Buffalo’s offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and the Patriots’ lineback coach Jerod Mayo.
(Photo: Craig F. Walker / The Boston Globe via Getty Images)