Jaguars can sign these 3 Texans free agents if they hire Bill O’Brien as HC

Last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars zeroed in on Urban Meyer early in their head coaching search. Based on how things played out, it wasn’t a particularly sound decision. This time around, the Jags are conducting a thorough process and are taking their time to do due diligence, and are leaving no stone unturned, which means they plan to interview former Houston Texans head coach and Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien this week, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

While O’Brien took the Texans to the playoff four times during his seven-year stint and helped develop quarterback Deshaun Watson, he won a power struggle with former general manager Rick Smith and immediately went on to dismantle the roster and make lopsided trades that hindered Houston’s chances of being a competitive team.

So why are the Jaguars interested in O’Brien? He seems to be a favorite of general manager Trent Baalke, who reportedly pushed for him. There are more qualified candidates with a better track record in this coaching cycle, but it wouldn’t be particularly shocking to see the Jags giving the job to O’Brien. While these three Texans didn’t play for him they are set to be free agents and could sign with the Jags in the offseason.

No. 1 Texan that can follow Bill O’Brien to Jaguars – Rex Burkhead.

Running back Rex Burkhead signed with the Texans in 2021 after spending four years with the New England Patriots. Although he didn’t see much playing time at first due to the presence of David Johnson and Phillip Lindsey and Mark Ingram, he ended up starting five games in the second half of the season.

While Burkhead averaged 3.5 yards per carry with the Texans, he averaged 4.1 yards during his stint with the Pats and 4.0 throughout his career. You could make the case the drop in efficiency was the byproduct of playing behind Houston’s offensive line. The 2013 sixth-round pick could add depth to a Jaguars’ running back room that may need it in 2022.