
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Texans head cooach Bill O'Brien
Yesterday 3 PM Central Standard Time came and went. It took any chance of the Texans signing Jadeveon Clowney to a long term extension with it. Well, for this year at least. This was the latest in a string of acts that appear to be attributed to Texans head coach Bill O'Brien. Ever since he was hired, O'Brien has attempted to replicate what his former mentor New England Patriots Bill Belichick has done in New England. As most that have followed the Texans would acknowledge, his hire and actions are consistent with this franchise's obsession with the Patriots. I guess the McNair's thought they were hiring the next Belichick and ended up hiring another withered branch from Belichick'scoaching tree. Over the years, O'Brien has shown numerous times in which his ego has cost this team. Here's a look at a few times in which I believe O'Brien's ego has cost the Texans:
The Clowney contract
Jadeveon Clowney
Houston Texans/FacebookThis is the most recent blip on the O'Brien ego radar. Clowney played very well last year under his fifth year option. He hasn't had injury concerns over the past three years playing in 45 games over that period. He's also put up comparable numbers to some of the top defenders he's asking to be paid like. However, I've contended that if they know they won't pay him, they should trade him. This has lead to the current situation they're in with Clowney, as well as...
The GM saga
Former GM Brian Gaine
Buffalobills.comThe Texans unexpectedly parted ways with general manager Brian Gaine this offseason. Reasons why they made the move are as mysterious as the move itself. We can only speculate as to why the team made such a drastic move at a point in the offseason in which they made it. It's widely believed they thought they could get another candidate hired away from the Patriots (Nick Caserio). Another theory/rumor is that O'Brien wanted Gaine to make the trade for Clowney instead of resigning him and that led to his exit. Either way, it's widely believed O'Brien pulled some of the strings here. Now the team is operating with a GM by committee until they hire someone next offseason.
Clock management
This so-called offensive/quarterback/guru can't even manage the clock or call plays properly. How can you call yourself an offensive coach when you fail to find a starting quarterback or call the right plays at the right times, much less manage the clock correctly? Knowing when to call a timeout, what plays to dial up, and what sequence of plays to have dialed up in a no-huddle situation factors into being prepared for these situations. O'Brien has consistently demonstrated that he isn't prepared and has shown a propensity at failing in these situations so far.
Arrogance
O'Brien has exhibited a real smug and arrogant attitude when it comes to the media. He acts as if he's doing them a favor to answer questions, or answers questions in a manner in which media members should feel honored he even answered. Last time I checked, a coach with a 42-38 record in the NFL shouldn't act like an arrogant A hole towards anyone. I don't know if O'Brien acts this way behind the scenes, but the smug encounters he's had with media members I've seen and his rumored actions have led me to believe he's the same guy he's been reported to be. A couple Super Bowl titles and better personnel decisions would lead to some leeway when he wants to be a jerk.
Belichick can do and act the way he does because he's won titles. He also has had the privilege of coaching one of the best quarterbacks of all time. O'Brien has done nothing to warrant the same treatment. Deshaun Watson isn't close to being one of the best ever, but he has potential. O'Brien needs to focus on building this team into a consistent contender. Clowney can be apart of that if O'Brien sets his ego aside and resigns him next offseason. He better at least franchise and trade him to get something more for him than a third round compensatory pick. Otherwise, this will be another notch in his ego.
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How Astros just put league on notice with dominant pitching, clutch hitting
Jun 26, 2025, 7:08 pm
Cam Smith hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.
CAM SMITH COMES THROUGH! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/Y6dtPpXF9J
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
The rookie's second hit of the game came off Orion Kerkering (5-3) and gave the Astros their fourth straight win.
Brandon Marsh tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to end the Phillies' 26-inning scoreless streak.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. They only managed three more hits off Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez, who struck out 11 with zero walks over six innings. Sanchez has not issued a walk in three straight starts.
Hunter Brown lowered his league best ERA to 1.74 by scattering three singles over seven shutout innings, with nine strikeouts. He did not allow a runner to reach second base.
FULL THROTTLE.
Hunter Brown now leads the MLB in lowest ERA (1.74). #BuiltForFuel pic.twitter.com/nkwT2MpgJQ
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
Bryan Abreu (3-3) struck out Trea Turner to end the eighth, and then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos in the ninth.
Abreu joined Julia Morales after the game and talked about his impressive performance!
🧹🧹🧹
After the @Astros completed their sweep of the Phillies, @JuliaMorales visited with Bryan Abreu!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/UeOOSNDKwW
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) June 26, 2025
Rafael Marchán had two of the Phillies' four hits. Bryson Stott reached base twice and scored the Phillies' lone run.
Key moment
Smith’s RBI.
Key stat
Brown’s 1.74 ERA is the fourth best in Astros history through 16 starts and the best since Justin Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA through 16 starts in 2018.
Up next
The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday with LHP Brandon Walter (0-1 3.80 ERA) on the mound.
The Phillies open a three-game series at the Braves on Friday with RHP Mick Abel (2-1 3.47 ERA) against Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-4 4.77).