Texans Coach's Job Status Swirls In Conflicting Reports

HOUSTON, TX — It's not rare for coaches with losing records to be on the hot seat near the end of a season. But if Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien is sitting in a toasty chair, then lots of people who have knowledge about it are being tight-lipped.

Many media outlets have conflicting reports on whether or not O'Brien will be back next year for the final year of his contract. Some say he's definitely gone at the end of this season while others support him staying. So here are the facts before speculation.

O'Brien Facts:

• The Texans are 4-9 with three regular-season games remaining
• O'Brien's teams went 9-7 three-consecutive years prior to 2017
• The Texans made the playoffs in both 2015 and 2016, winning a playoff game in 2016
• Houston was 3-3 before starting QB Deshaun Watson got hurt this year
• The Texans defense hasn't been the same since losing J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus

That said, the Texans play AFC South-leading Jacksonville this weekend and then the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas night. The Texans could finish the season (at best) 7-9, but it looks more realistic at 4-12 or 5-11.

The arms race in the AFC has ratcheted up, and the New England Patriots aren't quite the clear-cut favorites they used to be. But the Texans aren't gaining ground like the Steelers, Jaguars, Chiefs, Raiders and now the Dolphins.

Then there's the incident last Sunday that may be most damaging to O'Brien's tenure in Houston. During the home game last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, Texans quarterback Tom Savage took a hard, direct hit from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Elvis Dumervil in the Texans' loss on Sunday. As Savage was lying on the ground, his hands began shaking involuntarily. After being evaluated for a concussion, Savage was allowed back in the game for another series.

Here's what some of the other media are saying about O'Brien's status:

O'Brien said he didn't see Savage shaking on the big screen video Sunday, or else he wouldn't have put him back in the game.

ESPN ranks the Texans job as the best potential opening this coming offseason.

12Up expects O'Brien to be fired immediately at season's end.

Longtime respected Houston Chronicle sports columnist John McClain said O'Brien deserves a contract extension despite so many fans wanting the coach gone.

The waiting game is on for O'Brien, Texans GM Rick Smith and Texans fans as the seasons nears its end on New Year's Eve.

Image: Bill O'Brien, head coach of the Houston Texans, looks on in the first half against the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)