Report: Texans Deny Interviews for OC Tim Kelly Amid Deshaun Watson Trade Rumors

The Houston Texans have reportedly denied other teams' requests to interview offensive coordinator Tim Kelly for their vacant offensive coordinator jobs.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, it may be an "olive branch" from the organization to disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has "spoken highly" of Kelly in the past.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this week that some believe Watson won't play another snap for the Texans due, in part, to his frustration over not being consulted during Houston's search for a new general manager.

The team hired Nick Caserio of the New England Patriots, but Watson was not part of the discussion.

While Watson wasn't in the loop regarding the GM hiring, Texans CEO Cal McNair told John McClain of the Houston Chronicle that he has texted with Watson since the hiring of Caserio and wants him to be part of the hiring process for a new head coach.

Despite that, ESPN's Sarah Barshop reported the Texans have had "internal conversations" about trade partners. If the Texans are going to keep Watson, however, Kelly could prove pivotal.

Kelly has been with the Texans since 2014, and he was elevated to offensive coordinator in 2019. He also added the title of quarterbacks coach this past season, and Watson enjoyed a career year statistically, completing 70.2 percent of his passes for an NFL-best 4,823 yards to go along with 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He also rushed for 444 yards and three scores.

However, the running game and defense struggled for the 4-12 Texans.

It may be fair to question Kelly's offense finishing 31st in rushing with just 91.6 yards per game, although much of that can be linked to the team's defensive issues and that Houston was often playing from behind.

The Texans ranked 30th in total defense and 27th in scoring defense, which put a ton of pressure on Watson and the passing game.

Assuming Kelly's presence is truly important to Watson, retaining Kelly and finding a coach who doesn't plan to bring in his own play-caller may make sense for the Texans long term.