Texans fire Bill O’Brien: 5 Head coach replacements Houston should hire
4. Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator
After helping Kyle Shanahan lead the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance a year ago, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was one of the hottest names on the coaching market this past offseason. However, he ultimately didn’t land anywhere and is back in San Francisco.
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To start with my biggest cause for trepidation with Saleh as a replacement for Bill O’Brien on the Texans, an offensive hire would be preferable. Even with Hopkins having been shipped out, this team needs to maximize the talent of Watson if they’re going to compete. That’s not exactly Saleh’s wheelhouse given his background.
You know what would make Watson’s life a lot easier, though? Having a defense that could consistently come up with stops. And Saleh seems the right type of guy to make that happen. The job he did — albeit with a ton of talent — in San Francisco was phenomenal and Houston could use some of that wizardry.
Moreover, as was the case with Leftwich, there is the opportunity for Saleh to simply not have to worry about the offense. With the right offensive coordinator hire and filling out the rest of the staff with quality people, they could take up the onus of getting Watson and the offense back on track.
He may not be the first name that comes to mind due to his background but the Texans would be in good hands with Saleh.