What options are left for the Texans?

Texans halt pursuit of Nick Caserio

Texans halt pursuit of Nick Caserio

The Texans announced Friday they would halt their pursuit of Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio. Earlier this week the Patriots filed tampering charges against the Texans in their pursuit of Caserio.

The Statement

The tampering charges will be dropped with the Texans stopping their pursuit of Caserio. If there was indeed language where the Texans couldn't claim Caserio was getting a better job the Patriots could further deny permission for the Texans to interview and then hire Caserio.

Other Candidates

Dallas Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay is one of the best in the business but he is with a pseudo-rival and the Jones family loves him. I don't see how he gets away.

Browns assistant general manager Eliot Wolf just got to Cleveland but is blocked by John Dorsey. He was well respected in the Packers organization before leaving for Cleveland when he didn't get the Packers general manager job.

Scott Pioli was with the Atlanta Falcons as recently as last month before he resigned his post of the assistant general manager. He was the general manager in Kansas City when Romeo Crennel was the head coach and was with the Patriots going as high as the vice president of player personnel.

The Texans have already reportedly interviewed Ray Farmer and San Francisco 49ers vice president of player personnel Martin Mayhew. I would guess Farmer is not an option after his tough tenure in Cleveland. Mayhew is an interesting name as he has a lot of general manager experience as he was the Lions GM from 2008 - 2015.

Outside of these candidates I'm not sure there is someone that would really knock your socks off. I would also guess the Texans won't speak to the Patriots director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort after what just went down but who knows.


Two Job Bill?

I don't think it is out of the question Bill O'Brien ends up with the power and the Texans don't hire a general manager this offseason. There are rumors Caserio's contract could be up next offseason and if those are true he could leave New England of his own accord.

O'Brien calling the shots for one year would be dangerous. Yes, he could have people take care of a lot the day-to-day duties while he coaches. No, I don't believe he is ready for this dual role. With someone who has little experience in that world taking over there are sure to be areas of neglect and it stresses how important other doing their job to near perfection would be.

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The Texans have struggled to run the ball in recent weeks. Composite Getty Image.

One of the main areas of improvement for the Texans this season, has been the running game with the addition of Joe Mixon.

Mixon rushed for 100 yards or more in 5 of his first 6 games with the team. But unfortunately for Houston, Mixon hasn't been nearly as effective recently.

When looking at his recent numbers, Mixon has failed to rush for more than 46 yards in 3 of his last 5 games. Posting only 26 rushing yards against Miami on Sunday.

With this in mind, is the state of Houston's run game a major concern, especially when the playoffs begin?

Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's Joel Blank and special guest Barry Laminack share their thoughts.

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