GM Interviews Start to Line Up for Texans

Seattle and Baltimore are two franchises that have emerged with candidates that the Houston Texans are looking to interview for their open GM position

HOUSTON - The offseason is here for the Houston Texans after a dismal 2020 season came to an end Sunday with a 41-38 loss to the Titans. 

The franchise's attention turns to finding the new leaders of their organization in a general manager and head coach. 

The team has already interviewed internal candidate Matt Bazirgan, ESPN's Louis Riddick, and Malik Boyd of the Bills. 

READ MORE: Bazirgan Interviews; Sense In Texans In-House GM Hire?

Now the Texans turn their focus to two successful franchises for their next set of interviews. 

The #Texans have put in a request to interview #Ravens Director of Football Research Scott Cohen for their GM job, per source. He’s worked with the coaching staff for the last two seasons, but was a high-ranking personnel man before that for the #Bucs and #Jets.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2021

Scott Cohen has a lengthy history in the NFL on the scouting side. He currently works as the Ravens director of football research after previously being the team's assistant coach - opponent analyst. 

He previously was the director of pro scouting for the Buccaneers (2013-2015), assistant general manager with the Jets (2008-2013), director of pro scouting for the Eagles (2001-2008), and assistant director of pro scouting for the Jaguars (1999-2001). 

READ MORE: Texans to Interview ESPN's Riddick For GM Job

Cohen presents himself as an interesting candidate due to the lengthy history and variety of jobs he has held in his nearly 30 years in the NFL. 

Houston is also set to talk with a member of the Seahawks' successful front office. 

The #Texans have requested an interview with #Seahawks exec Trent Kirchner for their vacant GM job, sources say. I mentioned on @gmfb the other day he was one of three Seattle candidates on their radar, but word is search firm Korn Ferry is strongly pushing Kirchner for the gig.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 4, 2021

Trent Kirchner was previously the co-director of player personnel before he was promoted in 2020 to vice president of player personnel. He previously interviewed for the general manager job with the Colts and was on the shortlist for the 49ers and Panthers the last time those two teams had an opening. 

Kirchner was originally a public relations and scouting intern being hired by current Seahawks general manager John Schnieder. After a short stint in Washington, he was a pro scout in Carolina before following Schnieder to Seattle. He has spent time in the pro personnel and player personnel departments. 

READ MORE: GM Search: Texans to Interview Houston Native from Bills

In an interview with the Seahawks in-house media, Kirchner said the Seahawks like "smart, tough, and reliable guys," which sounds a lot like the "smart, tough, and dependable'' mantra Bill O'Brien and his staff pushed. 

The Seahawks situation is complicated as the Detroit Lions might make a push for the Seahawks' current general manager John Schnieder. 

Both situations are currently just requests to interview, but it is unlikely either will be denied as a move to the general manager position would be a promotion for both individuals.