When coach Bill O’Brien named offensive coordinator Tim Kelly at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, the expectations was Kelly would have four preseason games to ease into the role.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Then, preseason games were slashed from four to two, then from two to none.
Kelly will have to play-call when the downs count on Sept. 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Being a first-time play-caller is obviously — as elementary as this may sound, you’re doing everything for the first time,” Kelly told reporters on Wednesday. “Being able to put yourself in those situations with live bullets — okay, the first time that happens in Kansas City is going to be the first time that I’m doing it where it actually counts.”
When Kelly was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019, there were rumblings that he could take over play-calling duties from O’Brien. The former tight ends coach was even seen during preseason games with the play sheet, mouthing plays into his headset. However, it was only practice, as O’Brien ultimately took the reins in the regular season.
Nonetheless, the experience was invaluable.
Said Kelly: “We were able to get some experience doing that last year during the preseason, but now doing it in a regular season game — that’ll be the first time.”
While the Texans get ready for the regular season, Kelly will also be taking a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Chiefs’ defense and figuring out how to create the best matchups for quarterback Deshaun Watson to exploit.
“Knowing the roster, it’s good to be able to know what the strengths and weaknesses are of the different players so you can take advantage of what they do well, try to capitalize on their strengths and the different matchup issues that they may present,” said Kelly.
Kelly will be the second offensive play-caller in the O’Brien era. Offensive coordinator George Godsey took over play-calling when he was the offensive coordinator from 2015-16.