McNair makes it clear that Easterby staying
Texans CEO says he has texted with Watson, who apparently isn’t happy with latest news
Despite widespread criticism of Jack Easterby, Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair reiterated Friday his executive vice president of football operations isn’t going anywhere.
McNair quashed speculation that Easterby was out and said he won’t be fired and won’t be resigning after two seasons on the job, including his role as interim general manager for the last 12 games of 2020.
After a tumultuous week in which the Texans were subjected to a barrage of criticism, McNair addressed the Easterby controversy, disclosed he’s communicated with unhappy quarterback Deshaun Watson, admitted he feels Andre Johnson’s pain and accepts the blame for the Texans’ current predicament.
“The scrutiny on Jack is really unjustified,” McNair said Friday. “Jack was put into that role (interim GM) the organization needed by me. If missteps were made during that process, we’ll own those within our building.
“Jack will (return) to the role (executive VP of football operations) he was brought here for and what he grew into after he got here.”
The Easterby news didn’t sit well with Watson, who put out a cryptic tweet Friday afternoon that said, “I was on 2 then I took it to 10.”
Without divulging what he meant, Watson appeared to be
saying his anger level increased from two to 10 when he learned Easterby was still employed.
McNair said he sent a text message this week to Watson, who’s also unhappy because he thought he was going to be kept up to date on the search for a new general manager that ended when Nick Caserio was hired.
“Deshaun and I connected over text since he’s returned from vacation,” McNair said. “It’s no secret he’s disappointed in the (lack of ) communication during the hiring process.”
As for what he told Watson in his text message, McNair said, “I’d rather that stay private. I believe in dealing with personnel issues directly with players in conjunction with our general manager.”
Caserio, whose first day on the job was Monday, is conducting the search for the head coach McNair will sign off on. McNair said he and Caserio will keep Watson informed during the coaching search.
“We want him in the loop and part of this process,” McNair said.
“He’s our quarterback. I’ve watched Deshaun since he played at Clemson. I believe he can win championships here. We believe in him. He’s a great person and a Texan.”
Unlike Watson, Johnson said exactly what he meant in a Tuesday tweet. Johnson, the Texans’ all-time leading receiver and the only player inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor, put out a tweet about Easterby that sent fans into a frenzy.
Not only did Johnson encourage Watson to “stand his ground,” he added, “Since Jack Easterby has (walked) into the building, nothing good has happened in/for the organization and for some reason someone can’t seem to see what’s going on. Pathetic!!!”
That someone is McNair, who had Johnson on the advisory group he consulted with before beginning his search for a general manager and head coach.
“We have a long relationship with Andre (and) we feel his passion,” McNair said. “He’s got a lot of passion for the Texans and the game, and we share that.
“Change is hard, and we’re going through change. I accept that everything hasn’t gone perfectly. We’re working through it. If players, media and fans are upset, that’s on me. And I’ll apologize for my actions or communications that’s created mistrust.
“I accept the fans’ frustration. I’ll listen and learn and commit to getting better. We’re trying to win and chase championships, and I’m committed to doing that.”
McNair reemphasized Friday what he said a week ago at Caserio’s introductory Zoom conference call with the media.
“Nick is in charge of all football personnel, contract negotiations — all those things the GM has for roster building,” he said. “That’s what Nick is really good at, and he’s been good at it for a long time. Jack will oversee (other) football operations.”
And work closely with Caserio on everything the involving the non-business side of the operation.
Caserio started to work Monday. His top priority is hiring a new head coach, and the process won’t be rushed.
“Picking the right head coach is more important than making a quick pick,” McNair said.
The Texans created controversy last week when they were the only team not to reach out to Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. They waited until this week.
“We were waiting on Nick’s list of coaching candidates,” McNair said.
Before Caserio was hired last week, the search committee, headed by McNair, interviewed three candidates — former head coaches Jim Caldwell (Indianapolis and Detroit) and Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati) and offensive coordinator Joe Brady (Carolina).
Besides Bieniemy, Caserio notified the NFL this week he wants to interview Buffalo defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and Baltimore assistant head coach David Culley, who’s also the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.
Caserio is scheduled to interview Frazier on Sunday night in a Zoom call.
“It (hiring the right coach) means a lot to us, so we’ll take our time to get the right guy,” McNair said. “We’re right in the thick of things.”