Report: Bill O’Brien To The Texans Is “Imminent”

Update:

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that a deal between the Texans and Bill O’Brien is “imminent” and is expected to be finalized in the next 24 hours, per Tania Ganguli.

• Ian Rapoport reports that the Texans no longer have plans to interview Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt.
• According to Rapoport, it’s “[Bill] O’Brien’s job to win.“

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According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are “closing in on” hiring Bill O’Brien away from Penn State to be their next head coach.

All signs have pointed towards O’Brien being the favorite to takeover as the Texans’ new head coach. Although, Houston reportedly still wants to speak with Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt at some point this week.

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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Christ Mortensen, sources have informed them that Penn State HC Bill O’Brien has emerged as the “overwhelming favorite” for the Texans head coaching job.

Houston is reportedly working to get a deal done in the next week after talks intensified during a recent meeting between the two parties.

However, Texans owner Bob McNair mentioned that they intend to meet with other candidates next week.

“The process continues,” McNair said, per John McClain. “We have other interviews scheduled next week. It isn’t over.”

While it appears as though O’Brien is at the top of their list, it could be a little premature to assume that this is a done deal. O’Brien has a buyout of $6.5 million, which is actually quite high for a college without a lot of wins or any NFL head coaching experience.

Penn State DT Thomas Holley, a five-star recruit, recently spoke with O’Brien who informed him that the report is not true and he was not leaving for the Texans.

“I just off the phone with him,” Holley told 247Sports Luke Stampini. “He said he isn’t going. It’s not true.”

The Texans have already interviewed former Bears HC Lovie Smith and could meet with Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt next week if the Chargers are eliminated from the postseason on Sunday.

Ian Rapoport reports that the Texans have already interviewed interim coach Wade Phillips for the head coaching job as well.