Report: O'Brien likely to be retained as Texans HC

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien is likely to be retained for the 2018 season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Earlier reports stated that the relationship between O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith had turned "toxic and dysfunctional," according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, citing sources.

O'Brien gained a strong vote of confidence from quarterback Deshaun Watson earlier in December, leading some to believe it may have saved his job. Watson took the NFL by storm during his rookie year before tearing his ACL in a non-contact play during a Nov. 2 practice.

The Texans have slumped to a 4-11 record and close out the season Sunday against the 3-12 Indianapolis Colts.

O'Brien has a 31-32 record in four seasons with the Texans, leading the team to the AFC South title in 2015 and 2016.