2020 is the first training camp since 2016 where Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien is not calling the plays.
However, the seventh-year coach, who is doubling up as the team’s general manager, says that practices are still the same.
“I wouldn’t say that practice is too much different because even last year [offensive coordinator] Tim Kelly would relay the play in to Deshaun (Watson) quite a bit,” O’Brien said. “So Deshaun is very used to hearing Tim’s voice in the helmet.”
The Texans promoted Kelly from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator in 2019. Kelly got his chances at play-calling during preseason, but O’Brien decided to ultimately keep calling the plays for the regular season.
The only other play-caller in the O’Brien era has been former offensive coordinator George Godsey, who was with the team from 2015-16.
“Relative to my role, it’s really the same,” said O’Brien. “Maybe I can spend a little bit more time watching the defense and watching them, especially early in practice and things like that. So maybe that’s a little bit different. But overall, I don’t think it’s too much of a different role for me, relative to practice.”
The Texans need all the consistency they can muster as they get ready for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 10 at Arrowhead Stadium to kickoff the regular season.
