Well, that was fast.
The Texans have fired head coach David Culley after just one season at the helm, according to multiple reports on Thursday.
Culley, 66, was hired after the 2020 season to take over a team that had been a disaster in recent years. Under Bill O’Brien’s leadership, the Texans traded away franchise wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, as well as a number of first-round picks. Future Hall of Famer JJ Watt was also released, signing with the Cardinals.
Franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson demanded a trade after the season ended, then was accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior by 22 women, putting his status in limbo.
By the time Culley was given the reigns, the Texans had ultimately been stripped of their parts – as messy a situation for a first-time head coach as possible.
Culley had worked in the NFL for nearly three decades before the hiring. He performed admirably, leading the Texans to a 4-13 record and getting solid quarterback play out of rookie Davis Mills.
David Culley was fired by the Texans on Thursday. AP PhotoStill, the Texans preferred to look elsewhere in 2022. They aren’t alone: eight teams are in the market for a head coach following several firings on “Black Monday.” The Giants, Bears, Vikings, Dolphins, Broncos, Jaguars, and Raiders are all in the market for new leadership as well.
According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, recently-fired ex-Dolphins coach Brian Flores is a “name to watch” as the Texans look for Culley’s replacement.
