The team also officially promoted Jack Easterby as well
Bill O'Brien now Texans General Manager in addition to head coach
Jan 28, 2020, 2:50 pm
Bill O'Brien has a new placard on his desk.
New title for O'Brien and his unofficial assistant GM
A statement from Houston Texans Chairman and CEO Cal McNair on title changes for Bill O’Brien (Head Coach and General Manager) and Jack Easterby (Executive Vice President of Football Operations):
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 28, 2020
📰 » https://t.co/KjfeVTXtEY pic.twitter.com/vABMYlSC2L
As seen above the Texans have named Bill O'Brien as the general manager in addition to his role as the team's head coach. O'Brien joins his former boss Bill Belichick as one of the members of the NFL coaching community who also has the decision-making powers.
Jack Easterby, who also previously worked with the New England Patriots, now has an official title too. It was widely believed he had heavy input on the team in his past year with the team.
This had been coming
Laremy Tunsil is either confirming O'Brien makes all the decisions and maybe even is the point man on talks or he's under the perception that's O'Brien's job.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) January 23, 2020
I would rather O'Brien just say he calls the shots for #Texans
Tunsil also talks penalties too: https://t.co/4cKQfYyXaM pic.twitter.com/sWJftSkGad
It would be interesting to know if this was something known in the building by the team or just assumed. Either way, something long whispered, came to fruition.
With the amount of front office talent that has left the organization in the past year there was some belief O'Brien was consolidating his power. Today, he has all the power in the organization.
Business as usual, with the titles
Cal McNair on O'Brien being named GM and Easterby EVP of football operations: "This is the way we've been operating for the last 8 months. They led us to a 10-win season, another division title and into the divisional round. Our goal is to win championships."
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 28, 2020
SB Nation Radio NFL Insider Adam Caplan told me teams have treated the situation in Houston as if O'Brien was the Texans general manager since Brian Gaine was fired by the team.
Now O'Brien has the title with the work. He is in charge of the team from a management perspective, he is the head coach, and he calls the plays for the teams.
How does this work?
HoustonTexans.com
I don't think it does work. I don't see it. SB Nation Radio NFL Insider Adam Caplan told me the expectation from the league is O'Brien will do whatever he has to do to keep his job.
O'Brien did a ton this past offseason and yet the team regressed in many areas. Without a regular slate of draft picks and quite a few of their own players set to hit free agency the Texans are in a tough spot.
Short of O'Brien really taking the next step along with a few of his key players and some solid and smart spending the Texans might have hit their ceiling in 2019. If that's the case, O'Brien could theoretically survive a similar campaign in 2020. But, there are no more excuses. O'Brien has nobody to blame but himself now.
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The Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox meet Wednesday night at Daikin Park with the three-game set hanging in the balance. After splitting the first two matchups, both clubs enter looking to grab a momentum-shifting win as the playoff race tightens in August.
Hunter Brown (9-5, 2.51 ERA) takes the mound for Houston, aiming to bounce the Astros back from Tuesday’s blowout loss — a setback that left them tied with Seattle for first in the AL West. The right-hander has been one of baseball’s most effective pitchers this season, limiting hitters to a 0.98 WHIP and striking out 160.
The Red Sox counter with Walker Buehler (7-6, 5.40 ERA), who’s still finding his footing after joining Boston’s rotation. Buehler’s strikeout stuff remains evident, but limiting damage early will be key against a Houston lineup that ranks top 10 in the majors with a .322 on-base percentage.
Jose Altuve continues to power the Astros’ attack, racking up 40 extra-base hits, while Carlos Correa has been scorching hot, batting .400 over his last 10 games. For Boston, Jarren Duran’s blend of gap power and speed remains a constant threat, and rookie Roman Anthony has been a spark plug in August.
For Houston, the night is about more than just the standings. With Boston already owning a 4-1 edge in the season series, a win would help erase Tuesday’s sting and send a message that the banged up Astros can still handle a team with postseason potential. Expect another charged atmosphere, especially with familiar faces and recent drama adding extra juice to what’s already been a lively series.
Betting odds
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -170, Red Sox +142; over/under is 8 runs
Starting lineup
At first glance, you'll notice Correa is getting the night off. Pena will leadoff and play shortstop, followed by Jesus Sanchez (LF), and Jose Altuve who's back at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
Christian Walker (1B) slides back into the cleanup spot, with Victor Caratini hitting fifth as the DH. Yainer Diaz will catch again, hitting sixth, with the red-hot Ramon Urias filling in for Correa at third and hitting seventh. Cam Smith will hit eighth and play right field, followed by center fielder Jacob Melton.
Roster Moves
RHP Jordan Weems joins the major league roster, with Colton Gordon heading to Sugar Land after a disappointing performance on Tuesday night.
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