According to NBC Sports ‘Peter King, Houston Texans’ days of football operations Jack Easterby in the organization can be numbered.
“I think they will get rid of him,” said King on Thursday to Dale & Keefe.
This comes amid months of pressure from fans and the media for Houston to do just that.
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Easterby, the former New England Patriots’ character coach, has quickly worked his way up the front office ladder in an unorthodox way, given his lack of football background.
With this prompting an unflattering statement by Sports Illustrated in Easterby’s time in Houston, there are an increasing number of questions about the level of power that appears to have been bestowed upon him by Texan owner and CEO Cal McNair.
Star player Deshaun Watson is bothered by the management of the front office involved in Easterby. Combine this with legendary Texas receiver Andre Johnson who came out on Twitter against Easterby earlier this week, with multiple current and former players backing his stance, and it’s no surprise to hear speculation about Easterby’s possible departure from the team.
“I think it was a really interesting sign – I don’t even know how many people know about this – that Jack Easterby was actually told not to talk to Sports Illustrated when that damning report came out,” said King.
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So when that happens, my gut – and again, this is probably an exaggeration – but when I heard that, it reminded me of Scott Pioli in Kansas City when he was really tainted by Todd Haley, the former head coach there. “Not that he talked. What happens then? Not long after that I forgot how long it took, but Pioli was gone.”
It’s worth noting, however, that King never said this opinion was based on sources.
“I think it’s just a matter of time before Jack Easterby is gone,” said King. “As to why it hasn’t happened yet, I don’t know the answer.”
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