The Houston Texans interviewed Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell for their head coach position for the second time Monday. The Texans announced the interview, though the first interview never had public confirmation. However, it has to have happened because the Rams have advanced to the Super Bowl. Otherwise, O’Connell wouldn’t have been available for an interview.
Kevin O’Connell interviews with the Houston Texans
A former San Diego State quarterback, O’Connell has connections to Texans general manager Nick Caserio as a former New England Patriots third-round draft pick.
O’Connell, 36, also has interviewed this week with the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings.
O’Connell, in tandem with Rams coach Sean McVay, operates a strong offense built around quarterback Matthew Stafford that’s complemented by a strong commitment to the running game. This is O’Connell’s second season as the Rams offensive coordinator. McVay calls the plays.
“Kevin’s a great coach, and he has a huge say and a huge influence on how we want to operate,” McVay said. “He understands how valuable he is to me.”
The Rams ranked seventh in scoring offense, averaging 27.1 points per game. They are preparing for Super Bowl 56 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
What has O’Connell done in the NFL?
O’Connell has also coached for the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and the Washington Football Team.
O’Connell played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Chargers prior to retiring in 2012. He played in two games for New England in 2008 and completed 4 of 6 passes for 23 yards.
“He’s the guy who I’m talking to probably on the majority of game day, throughout the week on the practice field, all of it,” Stafford said. “He’s a great communicator. Done an unbelievable job of helping me get into this offense. I wouldn’t be here right now, playing in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, if it wasn’t for a guy like that spending a bunch of time with me and helping me out.”
The Texans have previously interviewed:
- Former NFL quarterback Josh McCown, an intriguing potential option who has only coached at the high school level but is highly regarded for his knowledge of the game and leadership skills twice.
- Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, whom league sources said “knocked his interviews out of the park” with the Texans.
- Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos and former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores, who also interviewed Monday.
- Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
- Former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl wide receiver Hines Ward, a receivers coach and special assistant to Florida Atlantic coach Willie Taggart.