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The Texans GM defended the firing of David Culley.
Nick Caserio is the general manager of the Texans. (0:49)
2:44 PM
Nick Caserio, the general manager of the Texans, said he thinks the organization is in a better place than it was a year ago.
When you go back a year ago, I would say. Caserio said that the organization was in a rough spot, but that they are in a better position now. "I think that's because of the leadership and the direction that David Culley brought in this football team."
Caserio said in a statement that he decided to fire Culley because he and the coach had different visions for the program. Caserio wouldn't go into specifics about the differences but said they had to do with the next steps or how we move forward.
Caserio said that in the end, this is his decision. "This was something that I felt we needed to do that was in the best interest of the organization."
The Texans went 4-13 this season, matching their win total from a year ago. Culley's Texans didn't have quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is facing 22 civil lawsuits, or defensive end J.J. Watt, who asked for his release during the off-season.
Caserio pointed to the Texans' asset allocation, salary cap structure, and players in the building as reasons why he feels positive about the team's direction. The Texans have not had a first-round pick in the last four years.
The general manager doesn't have a specific time frame for hiring a head coach, but he will be very deliberate with the process. Caserio said that David had a lot of the qualities he was looking for in a coach. Those aren't going to change.
Caserio said that the most important thing was finding the best fit for the organization. We're going to be very thorough and try to make the best decision for this organization.
Caserio will have to address the status of Watson.
Caserio said on Friday that he didn't think there was any more clarity about the case. The lawsuits filed against the Texans' quarterback made it difficult for the team to reach a deal with the Dolphins at the trade deadline. It could be agreed to before the start of the new league year, but it could not be made official until after.
Caserio said that they're going to work through it and do what they feel is best for the organization.