It appears that Bill O’Brien’s exit as head coach and general manager of Houston Texans wasn’t just influenced by four straight losses to open the 2020 season. Reportedly, he was also fired for losing the locker room.
According to ESPN’s John Granato, O’Brien had an altercation with the team’s star defensive end J.J. Watt a couple of days before getting fired. The two confronted at practice and had a heated exchange in which Watt questioned O’Brien’s coaching abilities.
The sources close to the organization say that this caused players to side with Watt and turn on their coach, speeding O’Brien’s exit.
Watt was asked recently about the confrontation but declined to give any details.
“I’m not going to talk about what happened at practice or what conversations were had or whatever it may be,” said Watt. “The situation is what the situation is, and right now have a fresh start.”
Watt also added that he doesn’t have any “ill” feelings towards his old coach.
Bill O’Brien coached the Texans since 2014, posting a 52-48 record during his tenure. Under O’Brien, Houston made the playoffs four times, reaching AFC Divisional Game in 2016 and 2019.
