Houston Texans fire Lovie Smith after just one season
HOUSTON — (AP) — Lovie Smith was fired as coach of the Houston Texans on Sunday night after just one season in which the team went 3-13-1. It’s the second straight season in which the Texans have fired a coach after just one year. Smith was promoted to head coach after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator for one season. Culley was hired after coach Bill O’Brien was fired after losing the first four games in 2020 in his seventh season in Houston. This season was Houston’s third with a losing record after the team went 4-12 in 2020.
wftv.com2 coaches fired, several others remain on hot seat
The NFL had a record-tying 10 coaching changes last offseason and three-quarters of the teams have changed head coaches at least once in the past five years. Here's a look at some coaches who figure to be on the hot seat if things don't turn around in the second half of the season and some assistants who could be in line for head coaching jobs. With Hackett's offense struggling with new high-priced quarterback Russell Wilson and new ownership in town, Hackett could one and done in his first head coaching job unless things change. After a failed stint as head coach in Tampa Bay more than a decade ago, Morris could be in line to get another chance. He has spent years as an assistant, working on offense, defense and as an interim head coach in Atlanta in 2020.
wftv.com2 coaches fired, several others remain on hot seat
There has already been two coaching changes halfway through the NFL season with Indianapolis firing Frank Reich this week four weeks after Carolina did the same to Matt Rhule. The NFL had a record-tying 10 coaching changes last offseason and three-quarters of the teams have changed head coaches at least once in the past five years. Here's a look at some coaches who figure to be on the hot seat if things don't turn around in the second half of the season and some assistants who could be in line for head coaching jobs.
news.yahoo.comAP Source: Executive VP Easterby let go by Houston Texans
HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Texans, off to a 1-3-1 start, have parted ways with executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby, The Associated Press has confirmed. The move was confirmed by a person familiar with the details who spoke with The Associated Press Monday on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced. Easterby came to Houston in 2019 after working for the New England Patriots for several years in jobs such has chaplain and character coach. Before working with the Patriots, Easterby worked for the Kansas City Chiefs for two seasons where he focused on player development and character development. One of the first guys that I got a chance to talk with before I came down here.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comGoodell, civil rights leaders discuss diversity in hiring
NEW YORK — (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and a few team owners and executives met Thursday with civil rights leaders, who urged the league to make drastic changes to its hiring practices to improve diversity in leadership positions. National Urban League president and CEO Marc H. Morial told the group the NFL's focus on racial equity and social justice recently hasn't yet resulted in improved hiring procedures for the league's head coaches. The civil rights leaders challenged the league to set measurable goals for recruiting and hiring diverse candidates. The meeting Thursday was a continuation of a discussion that began last week, when the civil rights leaders called for the NFL's to replace the Rooney Rule. It was established in 2003 and requires teams to interview candidates of color for head coaching and senior football operation positions.
wftv.comAP source: Texans expected to hire Smith as new head coach
HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Texans are expected to hire Lovie Smith as their head coach, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity Monday because the team had not announced that Smith would be hired. Smith spent last season as Houston’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator. The 63-year-old Smith joined the Texans last offseason after spending 2016-2020 as the coach at Illinois. Smith will become the fifth head coach in franchise history, following Dom Capers, Gary Kubiak, Bill O’Brien and Culley.
wftv.comAP source: Texans in talks with Lovie Smith about top job
HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Texans are in talks with assistant coach Lovie Smith for their head coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the meetings told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the team had not announced that Smith had interviewed for the job. The 63-year-old Smith is currently the Texans' associate head coach and defensive coordinator. Smith, who is also Black, coached the Chicago Bears for nine seasons and coached Tampa Bay for two seasons ending in 2015. ___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comUkranians hopeful Russian invasion will not come to pass
Passers-by in Kyiv show little sign of being intimidated by Russia's ongoing military build-up on the border with Ukraine. Although one man says that "wars are to be expected, especially from Moscow", others believe that Russia will not risk a full-scale invasion, with one Kyivan calling Putin "not quite insane enough" to carry out the threat.
news.yahoo.comShaq buys sneakers for 6-year-old
Six-year-old Zion was upset that his parents were buying him a coat, not the sneakers he wanted. Then he saw a "giant man" standing over him. It was Shaquille O' Neal, who gave him some words of wisdom about listening to his parents – then bought him a gift.
news.yahoo.comTom Rinaldi on the upcoming NFL playoff weekend
FOX Sports reporter Tom Rinaldi provides insight into the upcoming NFL Conference championship games, the final playoff games leading up to the 2022 Super Bowl. Play the Fox Bet Super 6 'Stack the Cash' contest for a chance to win big cash prize!
news.yahoo.comNFL executives want, expect more Black coaches to be hired
“Any criticism we get for lack of representation at the GM and head coach positions, we deserve,” NFL senior VP and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane told the AP. The Fritz Pollard Alliance, which advocates for diverse hiring in the NFL, said in a statement Friday that firing of Flores and Culley is a "disappointment given efforts to increase the representation of Black coaches as head coaches in the NFL. The league had seven Black head coaches in 2017 but there’s been steady regression despite heightened awareness and the various enhancements. “When people are tuned into our game, the head coach, the quarterback and the referee have the cameras on them,” Vincent said. Black coordinators get fewer opportunities to prove they can be head coaches.
wftv.comTexans GM says differences in opinion led to Culley's firing
Texans 49ers Football Houston Texans head coach David Culley watches from the sideline during the first half of his team's NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio on Friday defended his decision to fire head coach David Culley after just one season, citing differences in opinion about the organization’s path forward. The Texans announced the firings of Culley and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly on Thursday night following a 4-13 season. A month after Culley joined the Texans, longtime star defensive end J.J. Watt asked for his release from the team. Caserio said there’s no timeline on hiring the next head coach and that the organization will be thorough and patient.
wftv.comTexans fire David Culley; NFL left with 1 Black head coach
Titans Texans Football Houston Texans head coach David Culley questions a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON — (AP) — David Culley spent 43 years as a college and NFL assistant before finally getting his first head coaching job with the Houston Texans. He lasted just one season before being fired Thursday, a move that leaves the NFL with one Black head coach: Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin. “I loved every minute of being the head coach of the Houston Texans,” Culley said in a statement. Culley was hired after spending 2019-20 as assistant head coach, wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
wftv.comAP source: Texans fire Culley after just one season as coach
Titans Texans Football Houston Texans head coach David Culley questions a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Texans have fired coach David Culley after just one season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The 66-year-old Culley was hired last January to replace Bill O’Brien after spending 43 years as a college and NFL assistant. Culley was hired after spending 2019-2020 as assistant head coach, wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. ___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comThe Latest: Texans Taylor benched, Mills at QB vs. Colts
Colts Texans Football Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)The Latest from Week 13 of the NFL (all times EST):___3:15 p.m.Houston Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been benched in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts. Jefferson has 72 receptions for 1,112 yards this season and 160 catches for 2,512 yards in his two-year career. Murray also joined Cam Newton as the only players in NFL history with at least 10,000 yards passing and 1,500 rushing. For the Bengals, linebacker Logan Wilson (right shoulder) and Markus Bailey (left shoulder) also left the game.
wftv.comTexans cancel practice with players not feeling well
HOUSTON — (AP) — The Houston Texans canceled practice and all other in-person activities Wednesday on the advice of their medical team because some players weren’t feeling well. Coach David Culley said they have not had any positive COVID-19 tests. Culley, speaking to reporters via Zoom, said that the team would resume normal operations Thursday. Players were told to stay home Wednesday and all team meetings were to be held virtually. “We’ve had so much practice at this, that whether you’re virtual or doing in-person meetings, that doesn’t really matter,” he said.
wftv.comTexans rookie Mills to start at QB Thursday against Panthers
Texans Browns Football Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)HOUSTON — (AP) — Rookie Davis Mills will start at quarterback for the Houston Texans Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers with Tyrod Taylor out with a hamstring injury. Culley said the Texans plan to elevate Jeff Driskel from the practice squad to back up Mills against the Panthers (2-0). Mills, a third-round pick from Stanford, took over and threw for 102 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He said the Texans (1-1) could explore signing another quarterback next week if Taylor remains out.
wftv.comTaylor day to day with injury for Texans; Watson won't play
Texans Browns Football Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston quarterback Tyrod Taylor is day to day with a hamstring injury as the Texans face a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game against Carolina. Culley said Taylor was getting on MRI on Monday and that the team would know more about his availability afterward. “If he’s able to go and ready to go, he’ll play,” Culley said. If Taylor can’t play Thursday, the Texans likely will bring up Jeff Driskel from the practice squad to back up Mills.
wftv.comWatson returns to practice with Texans after almost a week
HOUSTON — (AP) — Deshaun Watson returned to practice with the Houston Texans on Monday after not taking part in workouts for almost a week. Watson reported to camp on time and was on the field for the team’s first five days of practice, participating in individual drills only. He continued to be absent from practice until Monday when he trotted onto the field with the rest of the team. He only worked during individual drills and went into the indoor practice facility after the first five periods of work. Watson signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the Texans last offseason and led the NFL in yards passing last season.
wftv.comCulley on possible Watson trade: "He is our quarterback."
FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston. New Houston Texans coach David Culley reiterated Thursday, March 11, 2021, that the team has no intention of trading Watson, despite the star quarterbacks request to be dealt. “We are very committed to Deshaun as our quarterback,” Culley said. Culley said they do not have a contingency plan at quarterback if Watson decides to hold out if he isn’t traded. Asked if Watson was committed to him and the team, Culley replied: “Yes, he is.”When pushed about how he knows that, Culley didn’t provide any details indicating Watson has told him that.
Houston Texans star J.J. Watt and team "mutually" agree to part ways
J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans have "mutually agreed to part ways," ending the tenure of the face of the franchise and adding another huge change to an offseason filled with upheaval. I want to thank the McNair family for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NFL. Thank you, Houston." Watt said Houston fans have always treated him like family -- except draft night when they booed him, he joked -- and he truly feels like they're part of his family. "The city of Houston has been unbelievable to me," Watt said.
cbsnews.comMore interviews didn’t equal more minority hirings in NFL
(AP Photo)The NFL expanded the Rooney Rule to give more minority candidates opportunities to become a head coach and reward teams who develop them. The Houston Texans hired David Culley this week, making the 65-year-old longtime assistant the league’s third Black head coach hired. Culley and Saleh join Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Miami’s Brian Flores and Washington’s Ron Rivera as the league’s only minority head coaches. “We didn’t make as much progress on the head coaching side as we would have liked,” Rooney said. AdPerhaps an increase in minority executives will lead to more minority head coaches.
Texans hire Culley as coach amid drama surrounding Watson
FILE - This is an Aug. 17, 2020, file photo showing David Culley of the Baltimore Ravens NFL football team. David Culley has been hired as the coach of the Houston Texans, a person familiar with the hiring told The Associated Press. (AP Photo)HOUSTON – David Culley became the coach of the Houston Texans believing Deshaun Watson would be his quarterback. “We have added a very well respected and experienced member to our Texans' family in our new head coach, David Culley," McNair said. The 65-year-old Culley becomes the fourth coach in Texans history, replacing Bill O’Brien, who was fired after the team opened the season 0-4.