Texans star defensive lineman J.J. Watt had a heated exchange with then-head coach Bill O'Brien prior to the team's Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN.
According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, a "verbal blowup at practice" occurred two weeks ago. ESPN reports that O'Brien "lost the team" during the incident, which also involved defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
O'Brien was fired as the team's coach and GM on Monday. He was in his seventh season with the Texans after joining the franchise in 2014. Despite starting the 2020 season 0-4, he amassed a 52–48 record with four AFC titles, and the team had posted five winning campaigns in six seasons.