Where to even begin with the culture of the Houston Texans at this point in the year of 2021? The firing of head coach Bill O’Brien was a massive step forward for the organization after he got too power hungry and tried to take control of far too much within the building.
However, as the old Hydra saying goes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Cut off one head, two more shall take it’s place.” At first it looked like the cultural issue and toxicity was coming from O’Brien, but now it has become clear that the former head coach really just lost a bigger power struggle with the executive vice president Jack Easterby.
Texans have power issue with Jack Easterby
If we are looking for the root of the toxic culture within the organization, it is time the eyes shift towards he EVP. From a team chaplain to working his way into the ears of the McNair’s, Easterby has manipulated his way to the top. In fact, he even pulled the search for a new general manager into his favor.
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Originally hiring a search committee to provide a shortlist of general managers, the Texans had a plan in place. However at the last second, Easterby swooped in and convinced the McNair’s to hire Nick Caserio, a front office official that he had a relationship with when they were together in New England thinking this would keep him from getting pushed out of the building.
That is not all, as even before this offseason, Easterby had his hands in a lot of wrongdoing in Houston:
"“But colleagues who spoke to SI—many requesting anonymity, like the player, for fear of retribution—said they felt compelled to share their own truth in the hopes of opening the eyes of McNair, of whom one source said: “[He] is just blinded.” There is a perception inside the Texans’ building that Easterby won a power struggle, completing his climb. And in doing so, these sources say, the character coach brought in to improve the culture has made it worse.”"
Caserio must change culture at all costs
The power grab of Easterby has already ostracized superstar and franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, with longtime staple J.J. Watt likely next out the door. If the Texans want to return to the top of the AFC South and back within earshot of a championship, then Caserio must do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Even if it means cutting ties with a friend from New England.