One of the expectations spectators had when the Houston Texans promoted Tim Kelly to offensive coordinator was that he would make coach Bill O’Brien’s job easier.
Through two weeks of organized team activities, O’Brien believes that Kelly is already making that impact.
“There’s definitely some things that Tim can do now that takes some things off of my plate, no doubt about it,” O’Brien told reporters Wednesday at NRG Stadium.
Specifically what Kelly helps with is unclear, but no doubt it is related to the offensive side of the team. Not having that type of responsibility frees up O’Brien to be more of a walk-around coach.
“I still, relative to last year and the previous year, watch the whole team,” O’Brien explained. “I mean, I’m the head coach, I’m responsible for what goes on on the field at every position. So, I still did that.”
It is still unclear whether or not Kelly will be the play-caller when the regular season kicks off Sept. 9 at the New Orleans Saints. However, as has been stated previously, the more responsibility Kelly can handle, the more he will be given.
“I definitely think that Tim, with his knowledge and his experience in our offense has definitely helped me to take a little bit of the load off of some of the things I would do normally, offensively over the last two years,” O’Brien said.
So far, so good on that front.
Kelly is the second offensive coordinator in the O’Brien era. From 2014-16, Houston employed George Godsey in the role before O’Brien doubled up responsibilities in 2017. After the 2018 season, the club decided to promote Kelly, who had been with the club since 2014 in a variety of capacities, notably tight ends coach from 2017-18.
