The Houston Texans fanbase hasn’t had many days to celebrate in recent years but the day the team fired their HC/GM Bill O’Brien, the fanbase celebrated like they had just won the Super Bowl.
As it turns over, Bill O’Brien was also celebrating.
An excerpt from a new book written by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham about the Patriots organization reveals that the former Texans coach was once discussed as potential replacement for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and that he could eventually succeed Bill Belichick as the Patriots head coach.
Once he heard this news, O’Brien reportedly joked that he wanted the Texans to fire him so that he could become available for the job. Leaks from O’Brien’s camp signaled that he wanted out from Houston and the rumors were so “aggressive” it became suspicious, ESPN reports.
The Texans gave control over football operations to O’Brien after he won the power struggle.
“I was trying to get fired,” he reportedly said.
O’Brien was eventually fired in 2020 after starting the season 0-4. O’Brien has since joined the University of Alabama this year and currently serves as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
