BREAKING: Texans Fire Culley, Kelly.

Why were they fired?

David Culley made some questionable calls during the season, but Culley was clearly never viewed as a long-term coach. Culley, if anything, was hired to bridge the gap for this season after Romeo Crennel was relieved from his duties as interim head coach after the firing of former head coach Bill O’Brien. Obviously, general manager Nick Caserio believes that someone else is more fitting for the role.

As for Tim Kelly, the offensive play calling wasn’t too great. Yes, when Deshaun Watson was playing, it looked great, but let’s face it, it wasn’t great. Kelly loves to run the football, watch one game and you’ll figure that out.

With rookie Quarterback Davis Mills slowly emerging, Kelly insisted on running the football over and over for minimal gains that would set up very obvious passing plays. With Kelly’s departure, the door is open for someone who can truly turn this offense around.

Who are the most likely candidates?

The Texans have appeared to show interest in former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores since his firing earlier in the week. It’s been said that part of the reasoning behind Deshaun Watson wanting to play in Miami was because he wanted to play for Flores, so if Houston hires Flores, Deshaun might come back.

Flores is a great locker room presence that players like to be around and he’s worked with Nick Caserio before during their time in New England, so Brian seems like a perfect fit.

Josh McDaniels is another likely candidate as well because of his history in New England with Nick Caserio. If McDaniels doesn’t get the head coach position, he should be considered for the Offensive Coordinator position. McDaniels has led a consistent New England offense each year he’s been there and has what it takes to spark the Houston offense.

Pep Hamilton is a fan favorite candidate to be promoted to OC. Hamilton has served as the Texans quarterback coach and is a big reason why Davis Mills did well this season. With an offense led by Hamilton that will play to Mills’ strengths, the sky is the limit.

There are likely more candidates in the running, but these three are the most likely. Caserio thus far has shown that he wants what’s best for Houston, and the city needs to trust that he’ll do just that.

My Thoughts

As a Texans fan myself, I agree with the firings of Culley and Kelly. Culley was never the choice for a long-term option, and while he is a good person, he wasn’t quite ready to be a head coach.

Kelly, on the other hand, is surprising that it took this long. Most of Kelly’s success in Houston has come from the success of Deshaun Watson, and this season proved it. Yes, he didn’t have much of an offense to work with, but when you get shut out twice in one season and struggle to generate any offense, you can’t expect to hold onto your job for long in the NFL.

I am optimistic for the future of the franchise, I would like to see Pep Hamilton promoted to OC, and Brian Flores hired as HC. The Texans are set on defense with Lovie Smith, and with a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and some more talent, the Texans will be back in the playoffs.

Agree with my picks? Let me know on Twitter @KeganCrawford where you can find more of my content.

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