Wracked by injuries and losers of six of seven games, the 4-9 Texans are in a tailspin, leading to speculation about coach Bill O'Brien's future. But O'Brien said Monday he expects to be back for a fifth season in 2018.
“I signed a five-year contract,” O’Brien said at a news conference (via the Houston Chronicle). “I expect to be back, but these decisions aren’t made by me.”
It's hard to blame O'Brien for the Texans' woes this year, as injuries have taken a toll. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was having a sensational rookie season before going down with a knee injury Nov. 1. Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt is one of four defensive starters out with injuries.
The injury bug bit again Sunday, as starting quarterback Tom Savage went out with a concussion in the 26-16 loss to the 49ers.
O'Brien has generally been praised for his work in Houston the past three years, taking a team that finished 2-14 in 2013 to three consecutive 9-7 finishes, including AFC South titles the past two seasons.
Watson had his coach's back Monday morning, with a tweet saying, "I want OB back with me!"
& I want OB with me! 💯 https://t.co/nQvzmfYFmx
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) December 11, 2017
And O'Brien wants to return, even if he realizes that decision ultimately rests with team owner Bob McNair.
“I enjoy being the head coach of the Houston Texans," he said. "I’ve got a great group of guys to work with. My family and I enjoy being here.”