Cal McNair can fix the Houston Texans if he wants to, but would rather let Jack Easterby run the show.
For anyone who hasn’t seen the movie “Aladdin”, you might wonder how Jafar has so much control. Using his magic snake-like scepter, the royal vizier implants his thoughts into the Sultan’s subconscious.
Jack Easterby might not have a special cane, but his snakes-style approach has him slithering his way to the top of the Houston Texans organization with full control over owner Cal McNair.
McNair stated Friday that Easterby would remain on staff despite the widespread criticism from the fanbase and former players. Former All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson tweeted this past week that the Texans have been in turmoil since the former Patriots’ chaplain’s arrival in January of 2020.
“The scrutiny on Jack is really unjustified,” McNair said, according to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain. “Jack was put into that role (interim GM) the organization needed by me. If missteps were made during that process, we’ll own those within our building. Jack will (return) to the role he was brought here for and what he grew into after he got here.”
Easterby could ruin the Texans season before it begins
McNair stated that he has contacted franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson to discuss the status of Easterby. The 25-year-old quarterback has been frustrated with the team following the team’s hiring of Nick Caserio as the general manager without telling him of their plans.
Caserio, who spent 19 seasons with the New England Patriots, is more than qualified to become the team’s GM. According to McNair, Caserio will be the only name in charge of the hiring process of the team’s next head coach. Easterby will not have a say.
The Texans have already requested to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
“Nick is in charge of all football personnel, contract negotiations — all those things the GM has for roster building,” McNair said. “That’s what Nick is really good at, and he’s been good at it for a long time. Jack will oversee (other) football operations.”
Twitter has been in an uproar that the fact of potentially losing their star quarterback. Hashtags of #FireEasterby and #Sellthefranchise indicate that the presence and control Easterby has over personnel is far too much for someone not technically involved with the front office.
Winning over the fanbase is key for any franchise. McNair could have fixed the wrongs by cutting ties with Easterby and trusting that Caserio would be free to work at building the roster.
Instead, Easterby is here to stay, likely causing more drama down at NRG Drive.