HOUSTON — He may still be the Texans' head coach and general manager, but Bill O'Brien is relinquishing his play-calling responsibilities for the upcoming season.
In 2020, Tim Kelly will send the calls in to Deshaun Watson instead of O'Brien. O'Brien made the announcement Tuesday while talking to reporters at the NFL Combine.
Kelly is the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
"Timmy will call the plays next year," O'Brien said. "Timmy has done a lot of that. He's just a really bright guy. He's a really good coach. The players really respect him. Has great knowledge of the whole offense."
Kelly was hired as the offensive coordinator at the start of last season. At that time, O'Brien said the play-calling duties would be a collaborative effort. The last time someone other than O'Brien called the offensive plays for the Texans was in 2015 when George Godsey had the responsibility.
T.J. Yates is also taking on a new role with the team. He's now the assistant quarterbacks coach and will help Kelly. Last year, Yates was an offensive assistant and worked with the linemen.
As the quarterback of the Texans in 2011, Yates led Houston to a playoff victory.
Carl Smith, last year's quarterbacks coach, will return as an offensive consultant in 2020.
Watson and Kelly have a great relationship, according to O'Brien.
"Deshaun Watson and him have a great relationship," O'Brien said. "Deshaun has great trust in Timmy and the work that Timmy puts in. What Tim brings to the table in the meeting room and on the field."
