The Houston Texans are not a well-run organization right now, and insiders seem to have one particular figure to blame.
A new report from Greg Bishop and Jenny Vrentas of SI outlines the chaos in the Texans organization right now, placing Jack Easterby at the center of it. Easterby, a former character coach who rose to become the team’s acting general manager, is presented as protecting his own interests, dividing the organization, and doing it all by currying favor with owner Cal McNair in order to remain employed and empowered by the organization.
The report states that Easterby was the driving force behind the hiring of Nick Caserio as the team’s new general manager in a move that defied the team’s own search firm. McNair had previously said publicly that Easterby would not have a role on the team’s search committee, but Easterby actually accompanied McNair when the Texans met with Caserio. Not involved was quarterback Deshaun Watson, despite McNair’s promises that he would get a say in the hiring process.
Watson, already upset with the Texans, was further angered during Caserio’s introductory press conference when McNair said he “understood (Watson’s) point of view before meeting with candidates.” A source said Watson found this remark “patronizing.”
There are even hints that some believe Easterby pushed for Caserio’s hiring because he knew that Caserio, a former colleague, would still allow him to have a significant portfolio of responsibilities within the organization.
McNair is portrayed as inexperienced and too trusting in the story. It’s noted that Easterby was McNair’s first hire after taking control of the Texans, and the two are close and bond over their shared Christian faith.
Public criticism of Easterby has increased recently, including from franchise icon Andre Johnson. In response, the report says Easterby has called members of the team, often in tears, stating that he has had to move to a hotel because his family has received death threats, asking players to support him privately to Watson or in public. Easterby denied the nature of the phone calls.
Easterby is also said to have told fellow employees that he planned to sue SI for defamation over a previous critical story, and that he tried to intimidate people he believed had spoken to the magazine. SI noted that it had not been notified of any lawsuit.
Watson is portrayed as simply fed up with the drama and lack of direction, with one source saying the quarterback “just wants out.” The entire story is well worth your time and includes a number of other anecdotes about just how dysfunctional the Texans are internally.
Easterby has become infamous among Texans fans, and many want him out. This story will only increase those sentiments. It certainly sounds like there is a good reason behind this quote from Easterby’s former boss.
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