Report: Texans QB Deshaun Watson Unhappy Over Lack of Input on GM, Coach

Watson was expected to be included as a part of the Texans' general manager hiring process, but was excluded and learned of the decision via social media.

Though the Texans' hiring of new general manager Nick Caserio has been heralded as an "excellent" move by some, how the team arrived at that decision has irked at least one key member of the franchise.

Star quarterback Deshaun Watson is reportedly "extremely unhappy" with the organization after being told by owner Cal McNair that Watson would be involved in the hiring process for Houston's new GM and coach, but was not involved in Caserio's hiring, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

#Texans QB Deshaun Watson is extremely unhappy with the organization after owner Cal McNair informed him he would be involved in the GM and coach hiring process and provide feedback… but then did neither in the hire of GM Nick Caserio, sources say.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2021

Watson's dissatisfaction does not have to do with the team hiring Caserio, per Rapoport, but rather the fact that Watson's role in the hiring process was not as substantial as he believed it would be.

Watson reportedly provided input on potential GM candidates, though none of them were considered or consulted, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Watson was also not informed that Caserio would be hired, and found out about the decision on social media.

As for the team's head coach opening, Watson favored Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after he was recommended by Patrick Mahomes, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. But the team didn't ask Bieniemy for an interview, making Houston the only team with a head coach vacancy that didn't.

Schefter reports that Watson did not expect the Texans to hire any of the names he suggested, but he wanted the team to at least contact them out of respect for him and his teammates, whose interests Watson was representing. Watson also reportedly did not get an opportunity to meet any of the final candidates before the hire was made.

Watson, 25, led the league with 4,823 passing yards this season and set career highs in completion percentage (70.2%), passing touchdowns (33) and passer rating (112.4). Caserio spent the past 20 seasons working in the New England Patriots organization, most recently as the director of player personnel.