(SportsRadio 610) - With the Texans' record at 3-11 in David Culley's first year as head coach, rumors continue about his future job status.
Multiple reports in recent weeks have indicated Culley's job could be in jeopardy. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that for a few weeks now, "there is at least some chatter in NFL circles about David Culley's future in Houston."
The question there is what exactly validates "chatter," because we're talking about his future at SportsRadio 610 as well.
There is also the unknown of who exactly general manager Nick Caserio and Texans leadership would have in mind to replace Culley.
Without an obvious candidate to succeed him, it makes sense to keep Culley for another year that is likely to be another losing season. Waiting after 2022, hopefully with Deshaun Watson traded and a bit more clarity on the franchise's future, the job should be more attractive to a top candidate.
When Caserio was asked on Payne & Pendergast about whether Culley will be back next season, he deferred the coach's evaluation to the offseason.
Culley was later asked about Caserio not putting a stamp on his return, and said he was comfortable with it. For the coach, it's important to focus more on the next opponent.
On Monday, Culley offered insight into the coaching dynamic, as Caserio and advisor Romeo Crennel intricately involved with in-game management decisions. He acknowledged they don't always agree on decisions, but work to get on the same page.
Could Caserio seek a coach who more closely sees the game through the same lens? Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who worked with Caserio in New England and went to college with him at John Carroll University, is a popular name in the rumor mill. The connection is obvious, especially with McDaniels' brother Ben as an assistant wide receiver coach for the Texans.
Or could there be someone else Caserio has his sights on? Maybe they still believe in Culley, who never should have been expected to coach a good team this year based on the personnel. Based on Caserio hiring him, and also being involved in coaching decisions, criticism of the coach should extend to the general manager.
A new NFL rule allows teams to interview head coaching candidates during the last two weeks of the season. There are three weeks left in the season.
So if the Texans want to get ahead of it, that time is approaching.
