Houston sports fans who were surprised the Texans didn’t hire Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy aren’t alone in their befuddlement.
According to cornerback Lonnie Johnson, who joined “The A Team” on Sports Talk 790 on Thursday, he also thought the Texans were going to hire Bieniemy, who didn’t end up even being a finalist for the Houston job.
“I didn’t know that [David Culley] was going to end up being our head coach,” Johnson said. I thought we were going to go after the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, but it shocking to see that we got the coach from the Ravens, Culley.”
— Adam Clanton (@adamclanton) February 4, 2021
Part of the reason Johnson probably thought the Texans would give Bieniemy serious consideration was due to the public support the Kansas City assistant had garnered among team leaders such as safety Justin Reid and quarterback Deshaun Watson throughout the season when asked point blank questions about the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. Additionally, Romeo Crennel was asked what advice he would give Bieniemy on getting a coaching job after being passed over during the 2020 hiring cycle.
Though the Texans did not hire a name familiar with some players on the roster, Johnson is nevertheless enthused to go to work for the fourth full-time coach in team history.
“When I talked to him, he sounded like a cool guy,” said Johnson. “He sounded like he’s ready to get to work, too. So, all we can do is give the guy a chance. He’s got the job, and I’m pretty sure he wants to earn the respect of his players, just like we want to earn his respect. This is our head coach. We got to go out there and do what we have to do.”
What Johnson’s interview also indicates is Culley is reaching out to players on the roster, which means he could be attempting to make contact with the franchise quarterback.
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