Texans fire Culley after 4-13 season
David Culley spent 43 years as a college and NFL assistant before finally getting his first head coaching job with the Houston Texans.
He lasted just one season before being fired Thursday, a move that leaves the NFL with one Black head coach: The Steelers’ Mike Tomlin. Miami’s Brian Flores was fired this week after leading his team to a 9-8 record.
The Texans announced the firings of Culley and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly Thursday night. General manager Nick Caserio saying he met with both men earlier in the day to inform them of what he called a “difficult but necessary decision.”
“While a change after one season is unusual, we had philosophical differences player now than I was then. I over the long-term direction and vision for our program moving forward,” Caserio said in a statement. “We appreciate Coach Culley for helping us navigate through a difficult season, but it is my responsibility to make decisions that I feel are best for our organization.”
Houston finished 4-13 this season, concluding with a 2825 loss to Tennessee, the AFC’s top playoff seed.
Colts
General manager Chris Ballard is not ready to fully commit to quarterback Carson Wentz as his starter for the 2022 season. Ballard made those comments during his season-ending news conference just days after the Colts didn’t make the playoffs and Wentz played two of his worst games to end the season. Ballard’s comments are eye more recognition because of -raising considering the Colts gave up first- and third-round picks in the upcoming draft to acquire Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. When they acquired Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft, the Colts hoped to stop the revolving door at quarterback that has been turning since Andrew Luck retired in 2019.
Elsewhere
With the Super Bowl just one month away, NFL officials and local organizers say the championship isn’t leaving the Los Angeles area. The NFL has no plans to move the Super Bowl from SoFi Stadium to Arlington, Texas, despite the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and accompanying health precautions in California, several officials confirmed at a news conference.