Special-teams coordinator Larry Izzo is joined by four assistant coaches leaving the team; Deshaun Watson ahead of schedule in rehab.

The Texans have removed special-teams coordinator Larry Izzo from his job, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.

It was characterized as a mutual parting of the ways between the team and the former New England Patriots All-Pro, Rice star and native of The Woodlands, but it wasn’t a surprise considering the poor performance of the special teams.

“It was too inconsistent,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “We have to look at it schematically, we have to look at it from a coaching standpoint. We’ve got to look at every facet of special teams because in order for us to get to where we get to, we have to improve that area. We’ve got to be better on special teams.”

Meanwhile, the Texans fired secondary coach John Butler and assistant special-teams coordinator Doug Colman. Plus, running backs coach Charles London left the staff to pursue a quarterback coaching position.

Texans director of football research Jim Bernhardt, who coached O’Brien at Brown and worked for him at Penn State, retired. With the Texans for four seasons, Bernhardt worked in an advisory role to O’Brien and helped with game preparation.

Browns interested in interviewing Ryan

The Texans have granted permission to the Cleveland Browns to interview quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan for an offensive coordinator position.

Ryan aided in the development of rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson and collaborated with Bill O’Brien on coaching the quarterbacks and building game plans, but O’Brien called the plays and operated as his own offensive coordinator.

“I feel like Sean has a real bright future in this league,” O’Brien said. “He works very hard, does a lot of different things for me. I think Sean’s goal is to call plays in the league, and that’s why I don’t personally want to stand in his way of having an opportunity to do that.”

O’Brien didn’t want to speculate on whether Ryan could be retained with a promotion to offensive coordinator.

The Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts were granted permission to interview Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel for their head coaching vacancies. Vrabel is scheduled to interview with the Lions on Wednesday.

“We don’t want to lose Mike, but these are things that happen every year,” O’Brien said. “I wish him the best with the teams that are going to interview him, but we’d love to have him back here.”

Watson’s recovery ahead of schedule

Quarterback Deshaun Watson is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Coach Bill O’Brien has seen speedy progress from a right knee injury that ended Watson’s season.

Watson could be back in time for some level of participation in organized team activities, according to O’Brien.

“That’s an interesting deal,” O’Brien said. “I think there’s a chance he could do some things in OTAs. He’s been here every day working hard to get better, and I believe he’s ahead of schedule.”

Crennel expected to return to job

The Texans anticipate veteran assistant Romeo Crennel returning for next season, coach Bill O’Brien said.

Crennel shifted to assistant head coach-defense last year as the Texans promoted Mike Vrabel from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.

If Vrabel leaves to become a head coach, Crennel could resume his old duties running the Texans’ defense.

Several GM options under consideration

The Texans are utilizing the services of an executive search firm as they seek a replacement to run the personnel department with general manager Rick Smith having taken a leave of absence.

The Texans are using Korn Ferry led by executive Jed Hughes, a former college football coach who assisted the AFC South franchise during their job search when they hired coach Bill O’Brien.

Buffalo Bills executive and former Texans director of player personnel Brian Gaine is regarded as a top candidate for the job. Among the others on the Texans’ radar are New England Patriots personnel executives Nick Caserio and Monti Ossenfort, a former Texans staffer, and Green Bay Packers director of player personnel Brian Gutekunst.

“Brian’s a very bright guy, works very hard,” O’Brien said of Gaine. “(He) has a great knowledge of both pro and college side, great family guy. I hold him in high regard.”

O’Brien complimented Caserio, who’s highly regarded for his work as Bill Belichick’s right-hand man.

“Nick, he’s a great football guy and an even better person off the field,” O’Brien said.

Knee injury won’t slow Fuller for long

Wide receiver Will Fuller is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to make a full recovery in the next few weeks.

Fuller left the season finale against the Indianapolis Colts with a knee injury.

The fastest player on the Texans’ roster, Fuller broke his collarbone during training camp and cracked his ribs during the season. He caught 26 passes for 406 yards and seven touchdowns.