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The Houston Texans have fired coach Bill O’Brien after the team started 0-4 in 2020.
In Monday’s press conference with the media, O’Brien said he had no control when it came to his job security.
“I don’t have any control,” O’Brien said. “All I can control is what I can control, and I’ve got to do a better job with the team. That’s obvious, and we’re going to work hard to do that. Relative to things that I talk about with the team, I just try to keep that between me and the team as best as I can.”
The 0-4 start was the third in franchise history, the first of the O’Brien era. In 2005, Dom Capers, the club’s first ever coach, started 0-4 and was fired after a 2-14 finish. In 2006, coach Gary Kubiak started 0-4 in his third season with the team, but recovered for an 8-8 finish. The Texans would win two division titles, two playoff games, and have three winning season with Kubiak until he was fired with three games to go in the 2013 season, also a 2-14 finish.
Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair said in a statement that the organization sincerely thanked O’Brien for his leadership and impact on the franchise.
“Bill’s leadership moved our organization forward as he guided us to four AFC South division championships, 52 wins and multiple playoff appearances during his tenure. Bill proved himself as a coach and leader in this league. I spoke with him earlier today and told him we are moving forward in a different direction.”
According to McNair, Crennel will serve as the interim coach for the rest of the 2020 season. The last time Crennel was interim coach was in 2011 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
“We have a talented team and I have no doubt our players and staff will rally to make Texans fans proud as we aim to win championships and do great things for the city of Houston.”
A statement from Cal McNair. pic.twitter.com/5JbZylPTbp
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 5, 2020
Crennel will serve as the second interim coach in franchise history.