[Arky]

Texans plan to hire Brian Gaine as new GM, extend contract of coach Bill O'Brien

The Texans are in negotiations to hire Brian Gaine as general manager and sign coach Bill O'Brien to a contract extension.

Gaine, Buffalo's vice president of player personnel, interviewed Tuesday.

Once Gaine's deal is official, the Texans are hoping to have O'Brien's extension wrapped up, too.

O'Brien has one year left on his contract and needs to hire six new assistant coaches because of firings, one retirement and one voluntary departure on his staff.

O'Brien and his staff are coaching in the Senior Bowl in two weeks. If he has an extension, it'll be easier for him to hire better assistants. Senior Bowl week is a job fair for out-of-work assistant coaches.

Gaine, who worked as director of pro personnel and director of player personnel for three years (2014-16) under former general manager Rick Smith, had an impressive interview Tuesday.

Really starting to sound like Rick Smith will never have the GM duties any more....