Texans will reportedly interview Eric Bieniemy after all
The Houston Texans raised red flags when news broke that they weren’t interviewing Eric Bieniemy.
They also reportedly irked quarterback Deshaun Watson with the decision — among others.
It sounds like they’ve had a change of heart. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans have now requested an interview with the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, arguably the hottest candidate on the head coaching market.
Every other team with an opening has interviewed Bieniemy already
Aside from the Eagles, whose job just came open Monday, the Texans are the last NFL team with a head coach opening to do so. Bienemy has reportedly already interviewed with the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions.
Yes, even the Lions are ahead of the game here for what seems like the most obvious interview in football.
It’s unclear what prompted the Texans to change their mind. It’s not hard to surmise that angering their $156 million quarterback played a role.
Texans great blasts management
Longtime former Texans receiver Andre Johnson doesn’t think it’s enough.
If I’m @deshaunwatson I will stand my ground. The Texans organization is known for wasting players careers. Since Jack Easterby has walk into the building nothing good has happened in/for the organization and for some reason someone can’t seem to see what’s going on. Pathetic!!!
— Andre Johnson (@johnson80) January 12, 2021
A first-round pick of the Texans in 2003, Johnson made seven Pro Bowls in Houston but saw little team success as the franchise failed to build a consistent winner.
Texans trying to satisfy Watson?
Watson was reportedly “extremely unhappy” with Texans brass for ignoring his input in the decision to hire former New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio as their new general manager. According to multiple reports, team owner Cal McNair told Watson he would consult him in hiring a general manager and head coach.
McNair reportedly didn’t follow through on that promise with the Caserio hire and ignored Watson’s recommendation that the Texans interview Bieniemy, the architect of the most explosive offense in football three years running.
Watson reportedly stopped taking calls from management as rumors swirled that he would demand a trade. And now the Texans are interviewing Bieniemy.
It seems a step in the right direction for McNair and executive vice president Jack Easterby. Whether they’re seriously considering Bieniemy or simply attempting to satiate their disgruntled quarterback remains to be seen.
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