Editing Houston Texans (section)

==History==
{{main|History of the Houston Texans}}
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In 1997, Houston entrepreneur [[Bob McNair]] had a failed bid to bring a [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) expansion team to the city, and [[Bud Adams]] relocated the city's NFL team, the [[Houston Oilers]], to [[Nashville]], [[Tennessee]], where they were renamed the [[Tennessee Titans]] in [[1999 Tennessee Titans season|1999]]. In [[1996 NFL season|1996]], the [[Cleveland Browns]] had [[Cleveland Browns relocation controversy|controversially relocated]] to become the [[Baltimore Ravens]]. As part of the settlement between the NFL, the city of [[Cleveland]], and the team owned by [[Art Modell]], the league promised to return football to Cleveland within the next three years.

In order to even out the franchises to 32, the NFL contemplated adding another expansion franchise. As Houston was one of the favorites for the extra franchise, along with [[Toronto]] and Los Angeles (the latter of whom had lost the [[Los Angeles Rams|Rams]] and the [[Los Angeles Raiders|Raiders]] in 1995), McNair then decided to join the football project and founded Houston NFL Holdings with partner [[Steve Patterson (sports executive)|Steve Patterson]]. With [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]], they would push for a domed stadium as part of the bid to lure the NFL back to Houston. On October 6, 1999, the NFL awarded the 32nd team to Houston at a cost of $700 million.<ref name="TexansTeamHistory" />

=== McNair family era (2002–present) ===
The Houston Texans joined the NFL in the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]], playing at the newly opened [[Reliant Stadium]] under head coach [[Dom Capers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-01-20 |title=PLUS: N.F.L.; Capers Agrees To Coach Texans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/20/sports/plus-nfl-capers-agrees-to-coach-texans.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> With their opening game victory over the [[2002 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] on September 8, [[2002 Houston Texans season|2002]], the Texans became the first expansion team to win its opening game since the [[1961 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] beat the [[1961 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] in [[1961 NFL season|1961]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans Team History|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/houston-texans/team-history/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> The Texans went 4–12 and finished last in the AFC South in their debut season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2002.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team improved to a 5–11 mark in the 2003 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2003.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team continued to make progress with a 7–9 record in the 2004 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2004.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2005 season, the Texans fell to a 2–14 record for the worst mark in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/index.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Following the end of the season, the team fired Capers as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-01-02 |title=Texans fire first and only coach Capers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2277988 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> They earned the top pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.<ref name="y770">{{cite web | title=Texans earn pick, to fire head coach | website=Gainesville Sun | date=2006-01-02 | url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2006/01/02/texans-earn-pick-to-fire-head-coach/64291880007/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

==== Gary Kubiak years (2006–2013) ====
While the team struggled in its early seasons, results began to improve when native Houstonian [[Gary Kubiak]] became the head coach in [[2006 Houston Texans season|2006]].<ref name="t599">{{cite web | last=Roenigk | first=Alyssa | title=Texans to hire Broncos' Kubiak as coach | website=ESPN.com | date=2006-01-22 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2302213 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> The Texans finished with a .500 season (8–8) in [[2007 Houston Texans season|2007]] and [[2008 Houston Texans season|2008]], and nearly qualified for the [[2009–10 NFL playoffs|2009–10 playoffs]] with a 9–7 result in [[2009 Houston Texans season|2009]]. The Texans started the [[2010 Houston Texans season|2010 season]] on a 4–2 record going into a Week 7 bye week, but promptly collapsed 2–8 in the second half of the season, finishing 6–10. In the [[2011 NFL draft]], the Texans acquired [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]] star [[defensive end]] [[J. J. Watt]] 11th overall. The [[2011 Houston Texans season|following season]], former [[Dallas Cowboys|Cowboys]] head coach [[Wade Phillips]] was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Texans, and the improved defense led to them finishing 10–6, winning their first [[AFC South]] title.<ref name="globe">{{cite news|last=Powers|first=John|title=Texans have climbed to the top of NFL|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/12/10/for-houston-texans-big-games-have-become-routine-after-years-mediocrity-worse/SefzCa2Wcfml2SdtUXgyjK/story.html|newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=December 10, 2012|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=February 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210111947/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/12/10/for-houston-texans-big-games-have-become-routine-after-years-mediocrity-worse/SefzCa2Wcfml2SdtUXgyjK/story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Texans then beat wild card [[Cincinnati Bengals]] 31–10 in the first round of the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011–12 playoffs]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE80700P20120108|title=Foster powers Texans to win over Bengals|agency=Reuters Canada|date=January 7, 2012|access-date=January 7, 2012|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927174337/http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE80700P20120108|url-status=dead}}</ref> before a 20–13 defeat by the Ravens in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.masnsports.com/dan_kolko/2012/01/ravens-slip-past-texans-20-13-advance-to-afc-championship.html |title=Ravens slip past Texans 20–13, advance to AFC Championship |first=Dan |last=Kolko |date=January 15, 2012 |access-date=January 15, 2012 |work=MASN Sports |publisher=[[Mid-Atlantic Sports Network]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119103522/http://www.masnsports.com/dan_kolko/2012/01/ravens-slip-past-texans-20-13-advance-to-afc-championship.html |archive-date=January 19, 2012 }}</ref>
[[File:Reliantstadium.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|[[NRG Stadium]]]]
[[File:Texans vs Titans January 1 2012.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|Houston lines up on offense against the Titans in 2012]]
The Texans surged as the team to beat in the AFC South in {{nfly|2012}}, starting 5–0 and holding an 11–1 record by week 14. However, they lost three of their last four games to finish 12–4; beating the rival [[Indianapolis Colts]] in that four-game stretch allowing them to clinch their 2nd AFC South title. The Texans beat the Bengals again in the wild-card round,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans - January 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> but they lost in the Divisional Round to the [[New England Patriots]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2013 NFL draft]], the Texans acquired [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] [[wide receiver]] [[DeAndre Hopkins]] 27th overall.<ref name="i624">{{cite web | title=Texans add nine players in 2013 NFL Draft | website=HoustonTexans.com | date=2013-04-27 | url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-add-nine-players-in-2013-nfl-draft-10037806 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> In 2013, the Texans started 2–0 but went into a tailspin and lost every game afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Kubiak was fired as head coach after being swept by the rival [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], who themselves started 0–8.<ref name="n963">{{cite web | last=Lovell | first=Darrell | title=Texans fire coach Gary Kubiak | website=Statesboro Herald | date=2017-11-11 | url=https://www.statesboroherald.com/sports/texans-fire-coach-gary-kubiak/#:~:text=That%20wasn't%20enough%20to,make%20a%20Super%20Bowl%20run. | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Wade Phillips filled in as head coach, but the Texans' poor play did not change, and they finished 2–14, tying, with 2005, their worst record in franchise history.<ref name="w939">{{cite magazine | last=Farrar | first=Doug | title=Texans name Wade Phillips interim head coach with Gary Kubiak's timeline uncertain | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2013-11-06 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2013/11/06/wade-phillips-interim-coach-houston-texans-gary-kubiak | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> The 14-game losing streak is the worst in franchise history.

==== Bill O'Brien years (2014–2020) ====
The Texans entered the [[2014 Houston Texans season|2014 season]] with a 14-game losing streak. Former Penn State head coach [[Bill O'Brien (American football)|Bill O'Brien]] became the Texans' new head coach, and the third in franchise history, during the offseason.<ref>{{cite news|title=Texans hire Bill O'Brien as head coach|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-hire-bill-o-brien-as-head-coach-12350848|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=January 3, 2014|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818013406/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-hire-bill-o-brien-as-head-coach-12350848|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mathews|first=Nick|title=Bill O'Brien officially introduced as Texans new coach|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/01/bill-obrien-officially-introduced-as-texans-new-coach/|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=January 3, 2014|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060624/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/01/bill-obrien-officially-introduced-as-texans-new-coach/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, the Texans won three of their first four games, defeating the [[Washington Redskins|Redskins]] in the season opener while ending the losing streak, the [[Oakland Raiders|Raiders]], and the [[Buffalo Bills|Bills]], losing to the [[New York Giants]]. They lost three of their next four games, losing to the [[Dallas Cowboys]], the [[Indianapolis Colts]], and the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], respectively. The Texans went on to finish 9–7 in the 2014 season and barely missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2014.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2015 Houston Texans season|2015 season]], they were featured on HBO, on the show "Hard Knocks".<ref name="l808">{{cite web | last=Fitzgerald | first=Matt | title=HBO 'Hard Knocks' 2015: Best Texans Storylines, Moments, Reaction for Episode 1 | website=Bleacher Report | date=2015-08-11 | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2545649-hbo-hard-knocks-2015-best-texans-storylines-moments-reaction-for-episode-1 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> That year, the Texans started with a 2–5 record. Quarterback [[Ryan Mallett]] was released amidst controversy regarding his benching in favor of [[Brian Hoyer]] during a loss against the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Chiari|first=Mike|title=Ryan Mallett Released by Texans|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2583229-ryan-mallett-released-by-texans-latest-details-comments-and-reaction|website=Bleacher Report|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=March 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325225805/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2583229-ryan-mallett-released-by-texans-latest-details-comments-and-reaction|url-status=live}}</ref> After a poor start, the Texans finished with a 9–7 record and won their third AFC South title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, they were shut out by the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] in the Wild Card round 30–0, ending their championship hopes for the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Belson |first=Ken |date=2016-01-10 |title=Chiefs End 22-Year Run of Playoff Futility by Thrashing the Texans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/10/sports/football/kansas-city-chiefs-beat-houston-texans-wild-card.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

On March 9, 2016, the Texans signed former [[Denver Broncos]] quarterback [[Brock Osweiler]] to a 4-year, $72 million deal.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=Brock Osweiler agrees in principle to $72M Texans deal|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/brock-osweiler-agrees-in-principle-to-72m-texans-deal-0ap3000000642792|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=March 9, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827082425/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000642792/article/brock-osweiler-agrees-in-principle-to-72m-texans-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite Osweiler's lucrative deal, he struggled significantly during the [[2016 Houston Texans season|2016 season]]. After throwing two interceptions in Week 15 against the Jaguars, coach Bill O'Brien benched the offseason acquisition in favor of backup quarterback [[Tom Savage (American football)|Tom Savage]]. Savage led a comeback effort against the Jaguars, and was named the starter for the remainder of the season. The Texans clinched their fourth AFC South division title in six years in Savage's first career start against the Bengals in Week 16. They defeated the wildcard [[Oakland Raiders]] 27–14 in the opening round of the [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] with Osweiler as the starting quarterback due to Savage being out with a concussion.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sidhu|first1=Deepi|title=Texans Top 100: Texans beat Raiders in playoffs|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-texans-beat-raiders-in-playoffs|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=August 20, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820215958/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-texans-beat-raiders-in-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref> Osweiler started in the Divisional Playoffs game against the [[New England Patriots]], throwing three interceptions in the second half. The Texans lost 34–16.<ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Patriots top Texans, move on to AFC Championship|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-top-texans-move-on-to-afc-championship-0ap3000000774410|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=January 14, 2017|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129222748/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000774410/article/patriots-top-texans-move-on-to-afc-championship|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2017 NFL draft]], the Texans traded up to the 12th overall selection to select [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] star quarterback [[Deshaun Watson]].<ref name="h318">{{cite web | last=Wesseling | first=Chris | title=Trade! Texans move up, grab Deshaun Watson | website=NFL.com | date=2017-04-27 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/trade-texans-move-up-grab-deshaun-watson-0ap3000000803427 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Watson started six games his rookie year, going 3–3 and having arguably the greatest and most decorated rookie season by a quarterback in NFL history, eventually rising up to become the Texans' [[franchise player|franchise quarterback]]. However, his success would come up very short, following a Week 8 41–38 loss to the [[2017 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Watson tore his ACL in practice and was ruled out the remainder of the season, which caused the Texans to have one of their worst seasons.<ref name="j341">{{cite web | last=Knoblauch | first=Austin | title=Texans QB Deshaun Watson tears ACL in practice | website=NFL.com | date=2017-11-02 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-qb-deshaun-watson-tears-acl-in-practice-0ap3000000871174 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Plagued by a series of unexpected injuries (including an injury to [[J. J. Watt]]) and controversy involving the team's suspected violation of the league's concussion protocol, after backup quarterback [[Tom Savage (American football)|Tom Savage]] suffered a [[seizure]] following a Week 14 game against the [[San Francisco 49ers]], the Texans went 1–9 the rest of the season and eventually finish 4–12 and last in the AFC South in 2017, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and giving Bill O'Brien his first losing season as Texans head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2017.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:J.J. Watt autographs signing (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|All-Pro DE [[J. J. Watt]] (2011–2020)]]

In [[2018 Houston Texans season|2018]], the Texans started the season 0–3, losing by a combined 15 points to the [[New England Patriots]], [[Tennessee Titans]], and [[New York Giants]], before winning a 37–34 overtime shootout on the road in Indianapolis. This win sparked a nine-game winning streak for the Texans, their first since starting 5–0 in 2012, which included a Week 8 win against the [[Miami Dolphins]] that included five touchdown passes from Deshaun Watson.<ref name="i498">{{cite web | title=Deshaun Watson tosses for five touchdowns as Texans beat Dolphins | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2018-10-26 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/deshaun-watson-tosses-five-touchdowns-041234144.html | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> This streak was the longest ever for a team that started the season 0–3; the previous record was a seven-game win-streak set by the New York Giants in 1918 after starting out 0–3.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sidhu |first1=Deepi |title=From 0–3 to 8–3, Texans now on historic run |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/from-0-3-to-8-3-texans-now-on-historic-run |website=www.houstontexans.com |access-date=January 12, 2022 |date=November 26, 2018}}</ref>

On November 23, 2018, the owner of the Houston Texans, [[Bob McNair]], died from skin cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=2018-11-23 |title=McNair, owner/founder of Texans, dies at age 81 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25357571/bob-mcnair-owner-houston-texans-dead-81 |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On November 26, 2018, McNair's wife, [[Janice McNair]], became the principal owner and Senior Chair of the Houston Texans, while their son, [[D. Cal McNair]], became the chairman and Chief Operating Officer.<ref name="w686">{{cite web | last=Bien-Aime | first=DJ | title=Cal McNair approved as Texans' principal owner | website=ESPN.com | date=2024-03-26 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39813575/cal-mcnair-approved-texans-principal-owner-nfl-meeting#:~:text=Janice%20McNair%2C%20who%20is%2087,the%20Texans%20originated%20in%202002. | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The Texans finished the season 11–5, and won another AFC South division championship under Bill O'Brien.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2018.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They lost 21–7 in the first round of the playoffs to their AFC South division rival [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - January 5th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901050htx.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In [[2019 Houston Texans season|2019]], the Texans won the AFC South division championship and qualified for the [[2019–20 NFL playoffs|NFL playoffs]] on the back of a 10–6 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2019.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They went on to defeat the [[2019 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] by a score of 22–19 in overtime in the AFC wild-card round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans - January 4th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202001040htx.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Texans' 2019 season came to an end the following week, as they lost to the eventual [[Super Bowl LIV|Super Bowl]] champion [[2019 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] by a score of 51–31 in the AFC divisional round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs - January 12th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202001120kan.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Texans had a 24–0 lead in the game before the Chiefs came back.<ref name="h839">{{cite web | last=Greene | first=Nick | title=Turning a 24-Point Lead Into a 20-Point Loss the Houston Texans Way | website=Slate Magazine | date=2020-01-13 | url=https://slate.com/culture/2020/01/houston-texans-blow-24-point-lead-kansas-city-chiefs.html | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref>

On March 22, 2020, the Texans traded away [[All-Pro|all-pro]] wide receiver [[DeAndre Hopkins]] and a fourth-round pick in the [[2020 NFL draft]] to the [[Arizona Cardinals]]. In return, Houston received [[running back]] [[David Johnson (running back)|David Johnson]], a 2020 second-round pick, and a [[2021 NFL draft|2021]] fourth-round pick.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LoRé |first=Michael |date=December 3, 2020 |title=DeAndre Hopkins Trade Started 'Trickle-Down Effect' For Houston Texans' Tumultuous Season |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellore/2020/12/03/deandre-hopkins-trade-started-trickle-down-effect-for-houston-texans-tumultuous-season/ |access-date=November 30, 2021 |website=Forbes}}</ref> The move was confusing and controversial among fans and sportswriters alike, as many claimed that the Texans should have received more valuable assets for Hopkins, who was among the best receivers in the NFL.<ref name="i356">{{cite web | last=Kerr | first=Jeff | title=Bill O'Brien defends Texans' controversial DeAndre Hopkins trade as 'best interest of our team' | website=CBSSports.com | date=2020-03-28 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bill-obrien-defends-texans-controversial-deandre-hopkins-trade-as-best-interest-of-our-team/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The Texans began the [[2020 Houston Texans season|2020 NFL season]] with a record of 0–4, and [[Bill O'Brien (American football)|Bill O'Brien]] was consequentially fired following a disappointing loss to the [[Minnesota Vikings]] in Week 4. [[Romeo Crennel]], who was the head coach of the [[Cleveland Browns]] from 2005 to 2008 and of the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] in 2011–12,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Romeo Crennel Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/CrenRo0.htm|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=October 5, 2020 |title=Texans fire Bill O'Brien as general manager, head coach |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-fire-bill-o-brien-as-general-manager-head-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008221721/https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-fire-bill-o-brien-as-general-manager-head-coach |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=October 5, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Crennel managed to win more than half of his first 7 games as Houston's head coach, giving Houston a record of 4–7. However, the Texans ended the season on a five-game losing streak.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2020.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> With a final record of 4–12, the Texans were unable to make the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2020/index.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Rebuilding years (2021–2022) ====

On January 27, 2021, the Texans hired [[David Culley]] as the team's [[head coach]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Barshop|first=Sarah|title=Sources: Texans hire Ravens' Culley as head coach|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30791872/houston-texans-hire-baltimore-ravens-david-culley-head-coach-sources-say|website=ESPN.com|date=January 28, 2021|access-date=January 29, 2021}}</ref> Culley most recently worked as the [[Baltimore Ravens]] [[assistant head coach]], [[wide receivers coach]] and passing game coordinator. On February 12, 2021, the Texans released all-pro defensive end J.J. Watt. It was confirmed that Watt personally requested owner Cal McNair for his release.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 12, 2021 |title=J.J. Watt, Houston Texans mutually agree to part ways after 10 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-houston-texans-releasing-3-time-dpoy-j-j-watt |access-date=August 29, 2022 |work=NFL.com}}</ref>

On January 13, 2022, the Texans fired David Culley after posting a 4–13 record<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=January 13, 2022 |title=Texans fire coach Culley after just one season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33058754/source-houston-texans-fire-coach-david-culley-just-one-season |access-date=January 24, 2022 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> as the team's [[head coach]] and promoted defensive coordinator [[Lovie Smith]] as the team's fifth head coach on February 7, 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houston Texans Hire Lovie Smith as Head Coach|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-hire-lovie-smith-as-head-coach|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=August 29, 2022}}</ref> The team [[Deshaun Watson trade|traded away]] their starting quarterback [[Deshaun Watson]] to the [[Cleveland Browns]] and a 2024 fifth round pick for three 1st round picks, a 3rd round pick and a 4th round pick on March 20, 2022, due to sexual misconduct lawsuits toward Watson.<ref>{{cite web|title=Browns announce trade for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/deshaun-watson-browns-trade-texans-quarterback-haslam-berry-stefanski|website=NFL.com|date=March 20, 2022|access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> The Texans opened their 2022 season in a [[Tie (draw)|tie game]] against the [[2022 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], the franchise's first tie in their 20-year existence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Mark |date=September 12, 2022 |title=Texans coach Lovie Smith on fourth down decision vs. Colts: 'Tie was better than a loss' |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/11/texans-lovie-smith-fourth-down-ot-call-colts/ |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=Texans Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jared |date=September 11, 2022 |title=Texans-Colts game ends in tie: Here's how often a deadlock has occurred in Week 1 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/texans-colts-game-ends-in-tie-heres-how-often-a-deadlock-has-occurred-in-week-1/ |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> On January 9, 2023, the Texans announced that they were going in a different direction by firing [[Lovie Smith]] after a 3–13–1 season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Statement from Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair and General Manager Nick Caserio on Lovie Smith|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/statement-from-texans-chair-and-ceo-cal-mcnair-and-general-manager-nick-caserio-|publisher=Houston Texans|date=January 8, 2023|access-date=January 8, 2023}}</ref>

====Ryans and Stroud era (2023–present)====

On January 31, 2023, the Texans hired former player and 49ers defensive coordinator [[DeMeco Ryans]] as their new head coach, making him the sixth head coach in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Houston Texans hire DeMeco Ryans as Head Coach |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-hire-demeco-ryans-as-head-coach |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=Houston Texans}}</ref> In the [[2023 NFL draft]] the Texans selected [[Ohio State Buckeyes|Ohio State]] quarterback [[C. J. Stroud]] and traded up to the third pick to select Defensive End [[Will Anderson Jr.]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Owens |first1=Jason |title=NFL Draft: Texans select Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud with No. 2 pick |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-texans-select-ohio-state-qb-cj-stroud-with-no-2-pick-002616904.html |access-date=May 4, 2023 |work=Yahoo Sports |date=April 27, 2023}}</ref> Under Ryans and Stroud, the team saw improved fortunes as they made the playoffs while winning the AFC South for the first time since the 2019 season with a 10–7 record, becoming the first NFL team to win their division under a rookie head coach and quarterback.<ref name="z269">{{cite web | last=Sutelan | first=Edward | title=Rookie QB-coach to make playoffs: Texans' DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud make history as fifth postseason team with rookie duo | website=Sporting News | date=2024-01-07 | url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/texans-rookie-qb-coach-playoffs-history-duo/75f8819c7e4026da7f8d9734 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The team defeated the Cleveland Browns 45–14 in the Wild Card Round.<ref name="f887">{{cite web | last=Rieken | first=Kristie | title=Stroud becomes youngest QB to win a playoff game as Texans rout Browns 45-14 | website=AP News | date=2024-01-14 | url=https://apnews.com/article/texans-browns-score-stroud-flacco-playoffs-e9e4e7262a26610bb2981c12acf8fad0 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The Texans saw their season end in the Divisional Round with a 34–10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.<ref name="r035">{{cite web | last=Trister | first=Noah | title=Lamar Jackson and Ravens pull away in the second half to beat Texans 34-10 and reach AFC title game | website=AP News | date=2024-01-21 | url=https://apnews.com/article/ravens-texans-score-lamar-jackson-7f9dbe43ff5b60ed94e9754e63ef6f70 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Stroud would later be named [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award|NFL offensive Rookie of the Year]], and Anderson Jr. would be named [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award|NFL defensive Rookie of the Year Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. wins AP 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-de-will-anderson-jr-wins-ap-2023-nfl-defensive-rookie-of-the-year |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Texans QB C.J. Stroud named AP 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-qb-c-j-stroud-named-ap-2023-nfl-offensive-rookie-of-the-year |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Ryans also finished in a tie in total votes for [[NFL Coach of the Year Award|NFL Coach of the Year]] with Browns head coach [[Kevin Stefanski]] though he lost the award in a tiebreaker due to having one less first place vote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Browns' Kevin Stefanski named AP 2023 NFL Coach of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-kevin-stefanski-named-ap-2023-nfl-coach-of-the-year |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref>