HOW THEY GOT HERE

The Texans have gone from a playoff regular to a team not expected to win many games in 2021. A look at notable moments during the franchise’s downward spiral that began before the start of the 2019 season:

2019

Aug. 31: A couple months after coach Bill O’Brien is put in charge of personnel, the Texans make a pair of bombshell trades, sending star linebacker Jadeveon Clowney to the Seahawks after a contract impasse for two backup linebackers and a third-round draft pick. O’Brien then trades two first-round picks and a second-round pick to the Dolphins for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills to address a gaping offensive line hole, albeit at a premium price.

2020

Jan. 4: After winning their fourth AFC South title in six years, the Texans, behind a dazzling second-half performance by QB Deshaun Watson, rally from a 16-point deficit to beat the Bills 22-19 in overtime in the AFC wild-card round.

Jan. 12: In the most infamous loss in franchise history, the Texans lose 51-31 at Kansas City in the divisional round after leading 24-0 during the second quarter. A disastrous fake-punt call by O’Brien helps turn the tide as the Texans squander a chance to host the AFC Championship Game.

Jan. 28: Despite the playoff disaster, O’Brien is officially given the general manager title. March 16: In a widely panned move that shocks the NFL, O’Brien trades All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals for the return of running back David Johnson and a second-round pick. The Texans had balked at Hopkins’ desire for a new contract after signing him to a five-year extension in 2017. April 9: O’Brien trades a second-round pick to the Rams for veteran receiver Brandin Cooks, whose 2019 season was marred by concussions.

April 24: The Texans agree to a three-year, $66 million extension with Tunsil, the biggest deal for an offensive lineman in NFL history.

Sept. 5: Less than a week before the season opener, the Texans agree to a four-year, $156 million extension with Watson, making him the NFL’s second highest-paid QB behind the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes.

Oct. 5: One day after the Texans fall to 0-4, O’Brien is fired as coach and GM. He became the 10th man to coach an NFL team for 100 games without a conference championship game appearance. Assistant Romeo Crennel is named interim coach, and O’Brien’s former right-hand man Jack Easterby is named interim GM.

Dec. 8: Chairman/CEO Cal McNair forms an advisory group consisting of Hall of Fame coaches Tony Dungy and Tony Johnson, former Texans star Andre Johnson, Fritz Pollard Alliance executive director Rod Graves and San Antonio Spurs CEO R.C. Buford to assistant with the hiring of a new GM and head coach.

Dec. 13: After a Texans loss in Chicago, Watson says he is being consulted by McNair about the team’s coaching search, referring to “a lot of respect between me and Mr. McNair.”

2021

Jan. 4: The day after the Texans’ season ends with a 4-12 record, Watson calls for offensive coordinator Tim Kelly to be retained and also says the organization needs “a whole culture shift.” Jan. 5: The Texans hire former New England staffer Nick Caserio as general manager, doubling down on “The Patriot Way.” Watson finds out while on vacation and cryptically tweets “some things never change.” Jan. 8: As the Texans introduce Caserio as GM, McNair says he’s reached out to a reportedly unhappy Watson.

Jan. 15: McNair says the polarizing Easterby will be staying on in the front office and says he’s texted with Watson, whom he says is “disappointed in the (lack of) communication during the hiring process.”

Jan. 27: The Texans reach a deal with 65-year-old Baltimore receivers coach David Culley, who’s never been a coordinator in the NFL, to be their new head coach.

Jan. 28: Per reports, Watson asks the Texans to trade him and is dug in on not wanting to play for the franchise again. March 16: The Texans sign journeyman QB Tyrod Taylor, who played for Culley in Buffalo, to a one-year contract. Taylor is one of 53 new players Caserio brings aboard in the offseason, many of whom are veterans on shortterm contracts.

March 17: Two female massage therapists, represented by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, file lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual abuse. The number of plaintiffs accusing Watson of sexual assault or harassment eventually grows to 22, with 10 criminal complaints filed with Houston police.

April 29: The Texans are without a first-round selection in the NFL draft as the first-rounder they traded to Miami in the Tunsil deal ends up being the

No. 3 overall pick.

April 30: Stanford QB Davis Mills, taken in the third round, is Caserio’s first draft pick as Texans GM as he apparently prepares for a future without Watson.

July 25: In a surprise move, Watson reports to Texans training camp to avoid daily fines of $50,000. However, his desire to be traded hasn’t changed. During camp, he doesn’t participate in team drills, lines up as a scout-team safety and is listed as the fourth-string QB on the unofficial depth chart.