Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson gave former head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien his flowers after the latter was fired on Monday.
Watson said during Wednesday's practice he appreciates what O'Brien did for his career:
“I have the utmost respect for coach O'Brien for getting me to Houston, teaching me what he taught me the four years I've been here,” Watson said, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “He did a lot of amazing things.”
This is certainly a measured statement in light of reports players had revolted against O'Brien:
O'Brien was part of the brain trust that helped select Watson with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He also gave the former Clemson star the keys to the franchise almost immediately, naming him the starter in Week 2 of that season.
Indeed, the Watson-O'Brien partnership helped the Texans win back-to-back AFC South titles in 2018 and 2019. However, there were signs the relationship was cracking this offseason.
O'Brien and former Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins engaged in a dispute over financials, eventually resulting in Hopkins being traded to the Arizona Cardinals. The move seemed to take Watson — as well as the rest of the NFL — by surprise.
Houston would eventually come to terms on an extension with Watson himself, but the spending on both Watson and left tackle Laremy Tunsil left limited flexibility to improve a weak secondary and the offensive line.
As a result, the Texans have struggled out of the gate by going 0-4 in their first four contests, leading to O'Brien being shown the door.
Watson will prepare for a new era in Houston. But he also took the time to acknowledge the influence O'Brien had on him in his first four seasons.
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