Culley on possible Watson trade: "He is our quarterback."
FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston. New Houston Texans coach David Culley reiterated Thursday, March 11, 2021, that the team has no intention of trading Watson, despite the star quarterbacks request to be dealt. โWe are very committed to Deshaun as our quarterback,โ Culley said. Culley said they do not have a contingency plan at quarterback if Watson decides to hold out if he isnโt traded. Asked if Watson was committed to him and the team, Culley replied: โYes, he is.โWhen pushed about how he knows that, Culley didnโt provide any details indicating Watson has told him that.
More interviews didnโt equal more minority hirings in NFL
(AP Photo)The NFL expanded the Rooney Rule to give more minority candidates opportunities to become a head coach and reward teams who develop them. The Houston Texans hired David Culley this week, making the 65-year-old longtime assistant the leagueโs third Black head coach hired. Culley and Saleh join Pittsburghโs Mike Tomlin, Miamiโs Brian Flores and Washingtonโs Ron Rivera as the leagueโs only minority head coaches. โWe didnโt make as much progress on the head coaching side as we would have liked,โ Rooney said. AdPerhaps an increase in minority executives will lead to more minority head coaches.
Texans hire Culley as coach amid drama surrounding Watson
FILE - This is an Aug. 17, 2020, file photo showing David Culley of the Baltimore Ravens NFL football team. David Culley has been hired as the coach of the Houston Texans, a person familiar with the hiring told The Associated Press. (AP Photo)HOUSTON โ David Culley became the coach of the Houston Texans believing Deshaun Watson would be his quarterback. โWe have added a very well respected and experienced member to our Texans' family in our new head coach, David Culley," McNair said. The 65-year-old Culley becomes the fourth coach in Texans history, replacing Bill OโBrien, who was fired after the team opened the season 0-4.