O'Brien says he'll never resign as coach of the Texans
HOUSTON (AP) - Coach Bill O'Brien was emphatic on Monday about his desire to remain with the Houston Texans, a day after the team dropped to 4-10 with an embarrassing 45-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"I will never quit as the head football coach of the Houston Texans," he said. "Ever."
O'Brien, who has one more season left on his contract, was asked if he had thought about resigning after the Texans complete what will be the first losing season in his time with the team.
"I'm not a quitter," he said. "I was raised in a family that believed in family, faith, education and never quit. So, I never will."
O'Brien's job security has become a topic of discussion in recent weeks as injuries and inconsistent quarterback play have led to four straight losses, one win in the last eight games. He spent a sizable chunk of his media availability Monday discussing his future, his relationship with general manager Rick Smith, and whether he would like to sign an extension to remain with the Texans.
He dismissed the notion speculation about his job is getting to him.
"All I'm worried about is this team," he said. "All I'm worried about is this team and this coaching staff. That's really all I really care about."
The Texans are trying to regroup and focus on how they can play better before they host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Monday. They'll likely have to do it with third-string quarterback T.J. Yates, who struggled Sunday in his first start since 2015. O'Brien said Monday there was a chance Tom Savage could miss the rest of the season while recovering from a concussion, leaving Yates as the team's best option at the position.
Yates was 12 of 31 for just 128 yards with a touchdown and an interception Sunday. He could have to work behind a makeshift offensive line against the Steelers after right guard Jeff Allen sustained a concussion against the Jaguars, and center Nick Martin suffered what O'Brien called a "serious" ankle injury.
If Allen can't play the Texans will look to rookie Julien Davenport, who has appeared in nine games with two starts, to fill in. O'Brien evaluated the work he did on Sunday after the injuries.
"He did OK," O'Brien said. "He's young. He's been injured. He's going to be good. He's a great kid. Very focused guy ... it was some good, some not so good, and he was blocking on some real good guys. So, I think it'll be a good experience for him."
O'Brien believes his team has continued to play hard despite the poor results and expects that to continue in Houston's last two games.
"We've got to play better," he said. "It's not a matter of effort. I just went through the tape. I looked at it real close. These guys are playing hard, it's just a matter of execution and better play calls, and just trying to do a better job. I just want them to continue to be who they are, which they're tough, they're competitive guys, and they have a lot of pride. I just want them to continue to play hard."
One player who has undoubtedly continued to compete at a high level despite Houston's struggles is receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He's one of the few bright spots in a season been marred by injuries to stars J.J. Watt, Deshaun Watson and Whitney Mercilus. Hopkins leads the NFL with a franchise-record 12 touchdown receptions, and his 1,313 yards receiving are second to Antonio Brown despite playing with three quarterbacks this season.
"I think he's the best receiver in the league," O'Brien said. "He's big. He's strong. He's got great ability on the sideline. He's such a great competitor on Sundays. He wants the ball. He wants the ball thrown to him."
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