Report: Relationship between Bill O’Brien, GM Rick Smith is ‘toxic’

It sounds like the Houston Texans will have a decision to make once and for all on the future of their franchise once the NFL season comes to a close.

Multiple sources told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle that the relationship between coach Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith is “toxic,” and owner Bob McNair will likely have to decide which one he’d like to retain once the season concludes. It remains possible that McNair could keep both and try to make things work for at least one more season, but there are concerns that could create an even worse working environment in Houston.

“It’s toxic,” a source said. “It’s dysfunctional.”

O’Brien will have one year remaining on his contract and has said he will not quit, which will leave McNair with a decision to make. Smith, for what it’s worth, is close with the McNair family and has been a member of the organization for significantly longer than O’Brien has been.

These reports have been out there for a while now, and it sounds like the tension won’t be going away until either O’Brien or Smith does. This will be a situation to watch once Week 17 is in the books.