Bill O'Brien Joked That He Wanted Texans to Fire Him When He Heard of Patriots' Interest

While with the Texans, Bill O'Brien had heard that Tom Brady and Robert Kraft at one point discussed him as a possible replacement for Josh McDaniels and eventually Bill Belichick.

Excerpts from a new book written by ESPN's Seth Wickersham about the Patriots organization reveal that former Texans coach Bill O'Brien was once discussed as a possible replacement for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and that he could eventually succeed Bill Belichick. 

Upon hearing of this, O'Brien reportedly joked that he wanted the Texans to fire him so that he could become available for the job.

Brady and Kraft reportedly discussed the idea of O'Brien replacing McDaniels if he took another coaching job, with the possibility of one day succeeding Belichick. 

O'Brien heard about the discussion amid tension with Texans general manager Rick Smith. Leaks from O'Brien's camp signaled that he wanted out from Houston and the rumors were so "aggressive" it became suspicious, ESPN reports.

The Texans gave control over football operations to O'Brien after he won the power struggle. O'Brien later joked to a confidant that it was an empty victory.

"I was trying to get fired," he reportedly said.

O'Brien was eventually fired by the Texans in 2020 after starting the season 0–4. He compiled a 52–48 regular-season record and 2–4 postseason record in Houston. He joined the University of Alabama this year and currently serves as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. 

From 2007 to 2011, O'Brien held multiple positions on the Patriots coaching staff. He was a wide receivers and quarterbacks coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator.