Inside linebacker Brian Cushing praised coach Bill O'Brien for changing the Texans' culture and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel for his role in the team finishing No. 1 in the NFL in defense for the first time.
During an appearance Tuesday at the Ronald McDonald House of Houston, Cushing also said making the playoffs will not be enough next season.
"(A) guy I'm very excited to play for," Cushing said about O'Brien. "A very passionate coach who I can relate to in a lot of ways.
"He's done a great job in his three years - what he's done as far as (getting) to the playoffs and winning a (playoff game), winning in Indianapolis, sweeping Indianapolis - just a lot of things we weren't able to do before he got here.