Brock Osweiler was supposed to breathe new life into the Texans offense.
Instead, Houston's high-priced quarterback struggled for much of the season and was even benched late by head coach Bill O'Brien.
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The Texans have found a scapegoat for Osweiler's struggles, parting ways with offensive coordinator George Godsey on Monday in what the team called a "mutual decision."
"I’m grateful for the tireless work ethic and contributions George has made to our team over the last three years," O’Brien said in a succinct team release. "I wish him nothing but the best in the future."
The Texans had the NFL's best defense during the 2016 season, despite missing three-time Defensive Player of the year J.J. Watt for most of it. But the offense ranked 29th in yards and tied the Bears, who were 3-13, for 28th in points scored.
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The Texans went 9-7 during the regular season and won the weak AFC South despite the offensive ineptitude. They beat the Derek Carr-less Raiders in the first round of the playoffs before exiting after Saturday's 34-16 loss to the Patriots. The 25 touchdowns scored by the Texans were the fewest scored by a playoff team in a non-strike season since the NFL season expanded to 16 games in 1978.
The Texans regressed from an offense that was 19th last year despite giving Osweiler a four-year, $72 million contract to lure him away from Denver.
Godsey was the team's coordinator last season and Houston's quarterbacks coach in 2014. He began calling plays this season, but had those duties stripped by O'Brien after three games.