Texans’ Bill O’Brien turning over playcalling to OC Tim Kelly

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Tuesday during the NFL consolidate that he’s giving over playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Tim Kelly next season.

“[Kelly is] a bright guy,” O’Brien said. “He’s a really good coach. Players respect him. He just does a great job. Great knowledge of the whole offense from the passing game to the running game.”

O’Brien, who was given the extra title of general manager of the Texans a month ago, had been calling the offensive plays since he played the role over from previous offensive coordinator George Godsey in September 2016.

Kelly, who is going into the second season as Houston’s offensive coordinator, has worked intimately with O’Brien since he was a graduate assistant at Penn State when the Texans head coach was coaching there. Kelly will likewise mentor Houston’s quarterbacks.

Led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Texans, who lost to Kansas City in the divisional round of the playoffs, completed 13th in the NFL in yards per game (362.0) last season.

“Deshaun and [Kelly] have a great relationship,” O’Brien said. “… Deshaun has great trust in Timmy and the work that Timmy puts in, what Tim brings to the meeting room and on the field. Tim is an excellent coach.”