Tag: Caserio

Feb 2, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during his introductory press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Texans GM denies he’s leaving post-draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is facing huge decisions 10 days before the 2023 NFL Draft, but he insists leaving the franchise is not among them.

Joking that colleagues are reaching out “laughing about it,” Caserio asked reporters if they could help find the source of the information, which is known to be former Patriots, Raiders and Browns executive Michael Lombardi.

“I’m not leaving,” Caserio said Monday in a pre-draft press conference at NRG Stadium. “There’s never been any substantive discussions of the sort. I’m almost embarrassed I have to say anything. I feel an obligation to make that statement.”

The former right-hand man in the front office to Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Caserio was hired as general manager to fill the role previously held in Houston by fired head coach Bill O’Brien.

Caserio’s tumultuous tenure with the Texans including firing first-year coach David Culley, replacing him with Lovie Smith and then firing Smith after one season in February, and replacing him with DeMeco Ryans.

Ryans takes over as coach of a team with just seven wins in Caserio’s two seasons since he was hired in January 2021. He was able to find a trade partner for the Texans after deactivating quarterback Deshaun Watson for every game in 2021 due to legal woes and locker room drama.

Last season, Houston won the regular-season finale on a Hail Mary at Indianapolis to lose the No. 1 pick. The Chicago Bears claimed the spot, then dealt the pick to the Carolina Panthers. The Texans have the second and 12th picks in the first round; No. 12 overall belonged to the Browns, who owed the selection to Houston as part of the deal to acquire Watson.

Ryans said the Texans aren’t looking for a “franchise savior” with the No. 2 pick and wants to build the most complete team possible. Caserio on Monday sounded as if he’s in complete lockstep with his new coach, who played linebacker for the Texans and most recently ran the San Francisco 49ers’ defense.

“We have a lot in common with how we view players, how we see a football team, the things we deem important,” Caserio said. “We talk daily on all those matters. I’ve really enjoyed my time with him in a limited time. I can’t speak highly enough about him as a person and a football coach, his viewpoint, his perspective.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans speaks to the media during his introductory press conference as general manager Nick Caserio (right) looks on at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

On the clock: Houston Texans draft preview

Posted on | by Field Level Media

When is a rare win a crushing loss? In the case of the Houston Texans, it was a Hail Mary answered that pushed the Chicago Bears to the top spot in the 2023 NFL Draft.

When Houston took down the Colts in the regular-season finale, 32-31, on a last-gasp touchdown pass and the Bears lost the same day, it set the draft order based on the Texans’ better winning percentage.

Whether it costs general manager Nick Caserio and new head coach DeMeco Ryans a shot at their preferred prospect remains a cliffhanger.

The Texans are stuck in rebuilding mode, on their fourth coach in four seasons, and trying to calibrate an offense without a dependable quarterback. Caserio put together a strong draft, spent conservatively on free agents and now focuses on building a young and deep roster in the topsy-turvy AFC South.

An undersized underdog quarterback himself, Caserio watched Alabama’s Bryce Young in person multiple times last season. Ryans was a standout linebacker for the Crimson Tide.

If the tea leaves are pointing to a preferred passer, it’s Young, even at a physical stature that raises concerns. The Carolina Panthers could choose Young at No. 1 after moving up in a deal with the Bears.

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud remains in the running and was recently compared to Joe Burrow by the Panthers’ coaching staff.

But Ryans also knows from his time as defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers the profound benefit of a game-changer outside, and could opt for another Tide prospect — Will Anderson Jr.

TEAM NEEDS
1. QB: Size might not matter as much at quarterback after Jalen Hurts proved his value and carried the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl in a unique, custom-built scheme that points to Young being a top 3 pick. Caserio faces pressure with the selection, knowing a miss could ultimately mean starting over with a new front office.

2. Edge: Getting to the quarterback hasn’t been a trick in the Texans’ bag with 71 total sacks the past two seasons. By comparison, the Eagles had 70 sacks in the 2022 regular season.

3. WR: Brandin Cooks was offloaded and Houston doesn’t return a player with more than 48 receptions last season.

2023 DRAFT PICKS
Round Pick (Overall)
1. 2 (2)
1. 12 (12)
2. 2 (33)
3. 2 (65)
3. 10 (73)
4. 2 (104)
5. 2 (138)
5. 26 (161)
6. 11 (188)
6. 24 (201)
6. 26 (203)
7. 13 (230)
7. 42 (259)

BEST FITS
1. QB Bryce Young, Alabama: Instinctive, clutch, cool under pressure, driven, rare leader. The same words used to describe Ryans at Alabama are the high marks on Young’s report. The match is nearly perfect.

2. OLB Lukas Van Ness, Iowa: High-effort, high-motor pass rusher who has a high ceiling and could be available at No. 12 due to a niche role with the Hawkeyes.

3. DE-OLB Andre Carter II, Army: Raw but powerful with upside, Carter projects as a second-round pick because some patience will be required for the grand payoff.

–Field Level Media

Sep 23, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio walks on the field before the game against the Carolina Panthers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans GM: Firing coach ‘one of hardest decisions I’ve made’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio made the final call to fire head coach David Culley after one season, but he said that decision wasn’t taken lightly.

Culley went 4-13 in his only season with the team, and the 66-year-old first-time head coach is owed $22 million for the balance of his four-year contract with the rebuilding franchise.

The totality of Thursday’s firing can’t be fully measured as the Texans began a search for Culley’s replacement, and the candidates could include some past Caserio associates from his days with the New England Patriots.

“These decisions are always difficult,” Caserio said Friday. “Anytime you’re in a position of leadership, you’re put in positions that are difficult. It’s never personal.”

Texans CEO Cal McNair made it clear Caserio ultimately decided the fate of Culley, a longtime assistant coach who previously served as wide receivers coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

“These decisions are difficult, but Nick believed it was necessary for the future of our organization,” McNair said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to build our roster and finding the right coach to lead us forward.”

Pressing on-field personnel matters closely follow replacing Culley on Houston’s offseason priority list. A trade of franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, who did not play a single snap for the team in 2021, could restock the depth chart with young talent if Caserio is able to get the haul he’s shooting for of multiple first-round picks.

Caserio also announced offensive coordinator Tim Kelly was fired, and the fate of the rest of the staff figures to be in the hands of the next head coach.

Former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are thought to be high on Caserio’s list of coaching candidates. McDaniels and Caserio were college teammates and work associates in New England, where Flores also crossed over with the GM and front-office aid Jack Easterby. Easterby is the executive vice president of football operations in Houston.

Caserio said Friday he did what was best for the organization.

“It was a difficult decision, one of the hardest decisions I’ve made in my life,” Caserio said. “(McNair) instilled in me the authority to do what’s best for this organization.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach David Culley before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Texans to keep David Culley waiting for days

Posted on | by Field Level Media

No news might not necessarily be good news for Houston Texans head coach David Culley.

The first-year coach said Monday he was moving forward from player exit interviews under the assumption he would be back as head coach for the 2022 season.

The Athletic reported Tuesday that the Texans are still in the process of reviewing Culley’s performance and might not make a decision until the end of the week about whether Culley ultimately stays or goes.

“As far as I know, I’m the head coach of the Texans right now, and am moving forward with that,” Culley said on Monday.

Asked if he’d spoken with general manager Nick Caserio or CEO Cal McNair about his status, Culley added, “Not at all, and I will not speak to them, they’ll speak to me.”

FOX Sports reported Sunday that Culley would likely be fired with Caserio targeted former New England ally Josh McDaniels as head coach.

But even with five openings for head coaches in the NFL known Monday, Houston remained silent. A sixth team, the Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to interview candidates for the job currently held by interim head coach Rich Bisaccia.

Culley added Monday that no meeting was scheduled with the team’s brass.

Between the 2020 shift away from a general manager, trading All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and firing coach Bill O’Brien, the Texans have been widely criticized for what appears to be less-than optimal team management. Players were supportive of Culley on Monday before parting for the offseason but also voiced displeasure with the process that brought Culley and Caserio to Houston.

Culley took the job in Houston in January 2021 after quarterback Deshaun Watson requested the franchise trade him.

Watson reportedly felt disrespected by ownership when his choice for head coach, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, wasn’t seriously considered.

Watson did not soften that stance after meeting with Culley, and after numerous sexual assault and misconduct lawsuits were filed against Watson in civil court, Culley had the unenviable task of leading the Texans without their Pro Bowl quarterback playing a snap all season.

–Field Level Media

Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Texans expected to fire head coach David Culley

Posted on | by Field Level Media

David Culley is expected to be fired by the Houston Texans, FOX Sports reported Sunday.

General manager Nick Caserio didn’t directly answer questions about Culley’s status last week. When pressed about whether Culley could return, Caserio said all personnel decisions would be made in the offseason.

FOX reported New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a longtime co-worker of Caserio with the Patriots, is the top candidate in Houston.

Culley is in his first season as a head coach and was hired during a tumultuous offseason by the Texans. He previously served as wide receivers coach under John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens.

The 66-year-old Culley had never been a head coach at the college or professional levels during a coaching career that began in 1978.

Culley was the oldest coach in NFL history at the time of his debut, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Bud Wilkinson (62 years, 133 days) had held that distinction from his 29-game stint with the then-St. Louis Cardinals in 1978-79.

The Texans’ decision to tab Culley as head coach in January came under extra scrutiny because franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson had made known his unhappiness regarding player and front-office moves in the past few seasons. Watson reportedly was upset that the Texans said he could have input into offseason decisions, but the team didn’t follow through.

With Watson under investigation by police in Houston and the subject of civil lawsuits by 22 women following allegations of sexual misconduct, the quarterback was inactive for all 17 games this season. NFL Network reported Sunday that the Texans want to trade Watson before the 2022 league year begins on March 16.

–Field Level Media

Dec 27, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks for an open receiver against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans QB Deshaun Watson unlikely to travel for preseason opener

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to stay home for the weekend while the team travels to Green Bay to play the Packers in the preseason opener.

General manager Nick Caserio said the team isn’t expecting Watson on board for the trip. The Texans are gingerly handling what has been an awkward situation during practices since training camp began.

Caserio, in an interview with 610 AM in Houston on Tuesday, revealed little about the state of negotiations or any pending trade offers amidst reports the franchise was now listening intently to incoming deals from multiple suitors.

Watson was largely an observer for the first two weeks of training camp. Head coach David Culley said he was dealing with a calf issue.

Culley said Watson would be “unlikely to play” vs. the Packers based on the limited number of reps he received in the new offense.

Prior to Culley being hired as head coach, Watson requested a trade. The team has reportedly shifted from its original stance of not wanting to part with Watson to looking at what might be on the table via trade.

Without Watson under center, journeyman Tyrod Taylor has worked with the first-team offense.

–Field Level Media

Dec 27, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) rolls out of the pocket against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans’ brass: ‘No interest’ in Deshaun Watson trade

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Trading Deshaun Watson is not part of the plan for the Houston Texans.

David Culley was introduced as head coach on Friday and echoed the sentiment of general manager Nick Caserio in a joint press session that the Texans are not trading their 25-year-old quarterback.

“The reason I’m in this position today is because I know he is going to be a Houston Texan,” Culley said of Watson.

That position runs counter to reports from multiple outlets that Watson requested a trade at the end of the regular season. In recent days, ESPN reported Watson is “dug in” on his trade demand.

Caserio opened the press conference by underscoring the Texans aren’t interested in trading Watson.

“Before we take a few questions: Organizationally, we want to reiterate our commitment to Deshaun Watson. We have zero interest in trading the player,” Caserio said.

Culley was named head coach this week and begins the task of setting a new direction for the franchise along with Caserio.

Watson reportedly has been incensed with management since star wideout DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals last offseason. He also was pulling for Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to be hired as head coach, according to multiple reports.

Watson has a no-trade clause in the four-year, $156 million contract extension he signed last summer.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2019; London, United Kingdom; Houston Texans chief executive officer D. Cal McNair shakes hands with quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after an NFL International Series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 26-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Texans GM: Deshaun Watson is our QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Deshaun Watson remains the quarterback of the Houston Texans, and that will not change, general manager Nick Caserio said Friday at his introductory press session.

“He’s our quarterback,” Caserio said in a joint video conference with owner Cal McNair. “I can’t tell you how much respect and admiration I have for our player.”

Respect appears to be an important buzzword in Houston after Watson reportedly was incensed not to have input on the team’s GM and coaching searches, a right he allegedly was promised by McNair.

Watson has been unreachable this week, the Texans said, while on vacation.

Watson, the Houston Chronicle reported Friday, has not formally requested a trade but multiple reports Thursday point to a potential showdown between the quarterback and team management. At the center of the conflict is Watson’s reported preference for the team to hire Eric Bienemy as head coach. NFL Network and ESPN reported Watson was told the team would talk to the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, but that hasn’t happened.

“When the time is appropriate we’ll have a conversation with the players and spend some time with Deshaun,” Caserio said.

Caserio, hired away from the New England Patriots on a six-year deal, has control of the Houston personnel department and roster decisions after the franchise spent two seasons without a true GM.

McNair said 2020 was “a hard year for a lot of different reasons” and confirmed Caserio would be the final voice on all roster matters, including the draft and free agency. McNair did not want to specifically address reports that Watson and standout defensive end J.J. Watt are perturbed at the team.

“In regards to 4, 99, they’re valued members of our team. Those are in alignment with bringing Nick aboard,” McNair said.

Watson’s agent, David Mulugheta, said Friday that his deleted Tweet on Friday was a political reference unrelated to McNair or the Texans. It read: “Nepotism at an all-type (sic) high. Shoutout to those of us who got it out of the mud.”

Watson earlier this week called for a complete “culture change” with the Texans, who finished 4-12.

Watson, 25, was named to his third straight Pro Bowl in 2020 and led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards. He threw a career-high 33 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Texans officially name Nick Caserio as GM

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Following two years without a general manager, the Houston Texans began reshaping their management structure in naming Nick Caserio as general manager on Thursday.

Caserio signed a six-year deal and faces immediate pressure to turn the franchise’s fortunes. The Texans went 4-12 last season and the assets to actively reload for the 2021 season are limited.

Fired head coach Bill O’Brien served as de facto general manager in 2019 and into 2020. During that time the Texans traded their 2021 first-round pick — which turned out to be the third overall selection — to the Miami Dolphins and sent All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson and a second-round pick.

Caserio served as the de facto GM of the New England Patriots, yielding final say to head coach Bill Belichick, while running the player personnel department.

“On behalf of my wife Kathleen and our entire family, I’m very humbled and honored by this opportunity to be the general manager of the Houston Texans,” Caserio said. “We would like to thank Janice, Cal and Hannah McNair for their belief in us that we can build something special that embraces the accomplishments of the past and accepts the challenges in front of us in our desire to be best.

“This moment would not be possible without the support and guidance of those that have invested in me personally and professionally. We are forever grateful to the Kraft Family, Bill Belichick as well as the entire New England Patriots organization that has blessed our family in ways we can never repay. Our goal now is to serve the Texans organization and the Houston community by putting together a team that we all can be proud of on and off the field.”

In 2019, the Texans operated without a general manager after being accused of tampering by the Patriots around their interest in Caserio. Houston promised not to engage Caserio in 2020.

But as 2021 began, Caserio was among the candidates the Texans sought to interview, including ESPN’s Louis Riddick, Seattle Seahawks vice president of player personnel Trent Kirchner and Baltimore Ravens director of football research Scott Cohen, among others.

–Field Level Media