Houston Texans hire Bill O’Brien as head coach

The Texans sported the worst record in the NFL in 2013. O’Brien follows Dom Capers and Gary Kubiak as just the third head coach in the franchise’s history, the first to be hired from the collegiate ranks.

Multiple high-profile names from both the NFL and college ranks have been named as potential candidates for the Penn State position, which is one of the most coveted in college sports, despite ongoing sanctions. We can also expect several names from Penn State’s last coaching search to be mentioned again.

While Whisenhunt has a solid resume, his candidacy could be hurt by his inability to interview immediately. With the Chargers making the playoffs as a wild card, Whisenhunt can’t interview until at least after their game in Cincinnati this week. Teams looking to make a hire sooner, rather than later, could turn to other candidates instead of waiting.

There is also a chance things could change in Houston. O’Brien is widely thought to be the No. 1 candidate with a possible deal coming soon. If things fell apart and Houston is forced to move on, Whisenhunt and others could become more viable candidates.

Update, Dec. 30: The Texans job is Bill O’Brien’s “to win,” says NFL Network. Also:

Update, Dec. 28: Bill O’Brien is reportedly moving closer to leaving Penn State. If he does go, we already know many of the names likely to be considered potential replacements.

Hired in 2007, Whisenhunt posted an 8-8 record in his first season before two straight division titles -- their first two playoff appearances in a decade. The team made a surprise run to the Super Bowl in 2008 after posting a 9-7 regular season record, but lost to the Steelers in the game.

After two 5-11 records over the next three years, Whisenhunt was fired, and he was hired as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator prior to this season. San Diego is 8-7 with an outside shot at the second AFC Wild Card spot.

Smith, who had five winning seasons and three playoff appearances with Chicago, figures to be one of the most sought-after commodities in the league as more teams begin dumping coaches at the close of the season.

McNair has also said he will consider prospective coaches currently employed with other teams, though he noted NFL rules won’t allow him to contact those candidates until after the season.

Whisenhunt’s ability to create potent passing offenses would be invaluable on a team looking to select a quarterback at the top of the 2014 draft, and pairing him with a talented group of receivers.

There is no indication of any other potential coaches at this time, but these initial reports seem to indicate the organization is looking for a veteran coach with an established resume.