Texans' O'Brien: 'Nothing has changed' after taking over play-calling

The Houston Texans are hoping their head coach can provide a much-needed offensive spark.

After a less than impressive start to the season, a three-game stretch in which would-be upgrades at a number of positions have yet to pay dividends, Bill O'Brien is taking over play-calling duties from coordinator George Godsey.

O'Brien downplayed the significance of the move speaking to reporters Friday, insisting he's always had a say in the plays sent in from the sidelines.

"I know you guys have been giddy about waiting to ask me that question," O'Brien said Friday, via Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle. "As the head football coach, I'm in charge of every play that goes into the game. You'd be amazed at how many defensive calls I've made, how many special-teams calls I've made and how many offensive calls I've made in the time I've been here, and most of them haven't worked. It doesn't matter. I'd really like the next question.

"As a head football coach, that's what you're paid to do to make sure the calls that go into the game are basically approved by you as the head football coach. I don't even know why that matters. I don't even know why that's a story. It's not a story. Nothing has changed."

The change comes on the heels of a particularly disappointing shutout loss to the New England Patriots. Ahead of a Week 4 matchup with Tennessee Titans, the Texans rank 24th in total yards and are tied for last in points per game.

O'Brien and the rest of the Texans staff will hope the adjustment, however minor it may be, can help Brock Osweiler settle into his role as the leader of the offense.

The former Denver Broncos signal-caller, who landed a four-year, $72-million deal to join the Texans in free agency, has completed just 59.6 percent of his passes for 695 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions through three starts.