NFL: Texans Fire GM Brian Gaine In A Surprising Move

In what has been widely characterized as a stunning and unexpected move, the Houston Texans fired general manager Brian Gaine on Friday afternoon, just days before the team is scheduled to report for its mandatory minicamp. Gaine's departure was considered shocking because it comes less than two years into his tenure. The timing also is considered unusual because Gaine just oversaw the team's free agency and draft strategy after the 2018 season.

"After a thorough evaluation of our football operations, we have decided to relieve Brian Gaine of his duties as general manager," Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair said in a statement issued by the franchise. "Brian is a man of high character and we appreciate his contributions to our organization. We will begin an immediate search for a new GM. In the interim, Football Operations will be led by Senior Vice President of Football Administration Chris Olsen. While the timing may be unusual, this decision was made in the best interest of our organization in our quest to build a championship team for the City of Houston."

The Texans also announced in the statement that said that Chris Olsen, the team's senior vice president of football administration, would take over football operations in the interim.

Some reports suggest the team might already have a front-runner for the position. Houston is expected to put in a request to interview Patriots de facto general manager Nick Caserio, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. It is unknown if New England will grant permission, but the Patriiots declined to grant it when Houston asked before hiring Gaine.

In the only season under the Gaine regime, the Texans posted an 11-5 record that came with an AFC South Division title, but ended with an exodus in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

In the first round of the draft, the Gaine-led Texans selected Alabama State offensive tackle Tytus Howard with the No. 23 overall pick and also used their third-round selection on another offensive tackle, Max Scharping from Northern Illinois.

The Texans are currently listed at 30/1 odds to win the Super Bowl.