Report: Bill O’Brien-Rick Smith Relationship “Toxic”

It appears that the center cannot hold any longer on Kirby Drive. After years of rumors and insinuations from various reporters, followed by countless dismissals of these rumors from the Texans’ front office and the head coach, Houston’s own Aaron Wilson has come out with an article that describes the relationship between Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith as “toxic.”

Wilson also states, similar to what Albert Breer said earlier in the week about the situation in Houston, that there could be a change coming to the Texans but stops short of saying what exatly that change would look like. Specifically, whether that would mean a new head coach (which is likely) or a new general manager (HAHAHAHAHAHA).

In theory, O’Brien and Smith could keep it together for another year, and that’s as likely as not that’s what Bob McNair will try to attempt. After all, why make changes to something that is so clearly working, right?

One thing Wilson makes clear here is that if O’Brien is let go or allowed to resign, there would be a lot of opportunities open for him to remain a head coach somewhere in the NFL, as O’Brien is still regarded as a really good coach in many circles of the league.

Nevertheless, I conclude that Rick Smith, Bill O’Brien, and their staff must be fired.

So tell me BRBers...who stays and who leaves?

UPDATE: Adam Schefter says O’Brien is “likely” to remain with Houston in 2018.

UPDATE II: Rick Smith has announced he’s stepping down as General Manager of the Texans to take care of his ailing wife.