Texas owner Cal McNair said on Friday that Jack Easterby is not going anywhere, that he has communicated with Deshaun Watson and understands the frustration of Andre Johnson that led him to his controversial tweet this week about the organization, specifically Easterby .
Despite widespread criticism of Easterby, including Johnson, and recent reports that he could leave after two seasons, McNair repeated his support for the executive vice president of football operations, who will continue to play a significant role on his side of the organization.
Asked if he would fire Easterby, McNair said, “No.”
Asked if Easterby was stepping down, he said, “No, that I know of.”
“Jack’s scrutiny is really unjustified,” said McNair. “Jack was put in the position (interim GM) that the organization needed. If mistakes were made during this process, we will own them in our building. Jack goes (back) to the role he was brought here to and what he grew up with after he got here.
As for Watson, the quarterback who is dissatisfied because he was not informed of the general manager’s survey that brought Nick Caserio to the Texans, McNair said: “Deshaun and I have connected by message since he came back from vacation. It is no secret that he is disappointed with (lack of) communication during the hiring process. “
McNair did not disclose the content of his text messages with Watson.
“I prefer to keep it private,” he said. “I believe in dealing with personnel issues directly with the players together with our general manager.”
McNair said he and Caserio will keep Watson informed while looking for a new coach.
“We want him on the circuit and part of this process,” said McNair.
As for him and Caserio meeting Watson at some point, McNair said: “Conversations are always good.
“I’ve watched Deshaun since he played for Clemson. I believe he can win championships here. We believe in it. He’s a great person and a Texan. He’s our quarterback. “
Johnson, the team’s only Ring of Honor nominee, posted a tweet on Tuesday that infuriated fans and took Easterby’s controversy to a new level.
Johnson encouraged Watson to “defend his position” and “Since Jack Easterby entered (entered) the building, nothing good has happened to / for the organization and, for some reason, someone cannot seem to see what is happening. Pathetic!!!”
That someone is McNair, who had Johnson in the advisory group he consulted with before he started his search for a general manager and head coach.
“We have a long relationship with Andre (and) we feel his passion,” said McNair. “He has a lot of passion for Texans and the game, and we share that.
“Changing is difficult and we are going through changes. I accept that not everything went perfectly. We are working on it. If players, media and fans are upset, this is my fault. And I will apologize for my actions or communications that created distrust.
“I accept the fans’ frustration. I will listen and learn and commit to improving. We are trying to win and chase championships, and I am committed to doing so. “
McNair recalled that Caserio leads the search for a new coach. Caserio does not hurry.
“Choosing the right head coach is more important than making a quick choice,” said McNair. “It means a lot to us, so let’s take our time to find the right guy. We are right in the middle of things. “
Asked why they waited until this week to contact Kansas City’s offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, instead of last week, McNair said, “We were waiting for Nick’s list of candidate coaches.”
McNair repeated that Caserio is responsible for all personnel decisions.
“Nick is in charge of all football personnel, contract negotiations – all the things that GM has to build the squad,” he said. “That’s what Nick is really good at, and he’s been good at this for a long time. Jack will oversee (other) football operations. “
That includes strength and rehabilitation, medicine, nutrition – anything that involves the non-commercial side of the operation.