Houston Texans football coach Bill O’Brien said Monday that he was saddened to learn about the departure of Houston Rockets head coach and personal friend Mike D’Antoni after four years at the helm.
O’Brien took the Texans job in 2014, while D’Antoni arrived in Houston two years later with the Rockets. In D’Antoni’s four seasons with the Rockets, he became the second-winningest coach in franchise history, and they won at least one playoff series in every season.
Speaking at his team’s media availability on Monday, O’Brien was asked about the choice by D’Antoni and the Rockets to part ways. He said:
It’s tough. Mike D’Antoni is a great coach. I’m friends with him. If you don’t win a championship, it is what it is. Mike is a great guy. He visited us up in Greenbrier [West Virginia], he has a place here. All the best to him.
Bill O'Brien on Mike D'Antoni leaving Rockets: 'It's tough. Mike D'Antoni is a great coach. I'm friends with him. It is what it is. If you don't win a championship, it is what it is. Mike is a great guy. He visited us up in Greenbrier, he has a place here. All the best to him'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 14, 2020
In previous years, the Texans had held training camp in West Virginia, where D’Antoni lives in the NBA offseason.
O’Brien also has a friendship with former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy, who appears to be on the list of candidates to replace D’Antoni in 2020. Per O’Brien, Van Gundy has referred to D’Antoni as one of the “smartest basketball coaches he’s ever been around.”
Bill O’Brien says he’s friends with Jeff Van Gundy and respects his opinion on basketball more than anyone.
Says JVG called Mike D’Antoni one of the “smartest basketball coaches he’s ever been around.” #Texans #Rockets
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) September 14, 2020
Now in his seventh season with the Texans, O’Brien is still searching for his first NFL championship of a non-division variety. The Texans are currently 0-1 after beginning their 2020 schedule with a 34-20 loss last Thursday at defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City.
Mike D'Antoni was at #Texans practice. Bill O'Brien: "When I see Coach D'Antoni, I have so much respect for the way he carries himself. How he coaches their team. I know they're close, close to a championship. I know they're fighting for it and we're all behind them." #Rockets pic.twitter.com/QGRW5BYlVC
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 28, 2018
Lead photo by Mark Berman, Fox 26 Houston
