Reports: Houston Texans fire head coach after one season

The Houston Texans have fired head coach David Culley after just one season, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Further reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicates that the team only guaranteed him two years of his contract, meaning his short tenure was always a possibility.

Schefter also spoke with one league source who said, “I knew it when he was hired” in reference to the one-year stint before Culley’s firing.

The Texans initially hired David Culley to replace former head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien, who was let go after a series of trade requests from franchise cornerstones and a run of disappointing seasons. Culley then left his post as Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach, wide receiver coach and passing game coordinator to undertake the rebuild in his first ever head coaching role.

In his one season, Culley led a depleted Texans team with a number of off-field issues to a 4-13 record and the No. 3 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

After firing Culley, the Texans quickly fired offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, according to Schefter.

Another interesting side note from the firing focuses on league diversity, or a lack thereof at the moment. Following Thursday’s news and the firing of Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores earlier this week, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers is the only active black head coach.

Dolphins fire Brian Flores

The NFL’s coaching carousel has already gotten off to a fast start following the end of the regular season. In a little bit of a surprising move, the Miami Dolphins have decided to fire head coach Brian Flores after three seasons with the team, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Flores was hired by the Dolphins ahead of the 2019 season. In his first year, he led Miami to a 5-11 record and a last place finish in the AFC East. Last year, the Dolphins finished 10-6 but finished just outside of the playoff picture. This year, Miami went 9-8, again missing the playoffs.

This season was a season of streaks for Flores and the Dolphins. After opening the year with a win over the New England Patriots, the Dolphins went on a seven game losing streak, falling to 1-7. Miami followed that up with a seven game winning streak, improving to 8-7. The Dolphins then split the final two games of the year, including another win over New England in Sunday’s regular season finale.

Schefter also reports that Flores is expected to get serious consideration from other NFL teams as a possible head coaching candidate. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier is also not in any danger of losing his job, according to Schefter.