Texans GM Rick Smith has "stepped aside" from his role after 12 seasons, though he will retain his title as Exec VP and "plans to return in a year," according to John McClain of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Smith disclosed after Sunday's season-ending loss to the Colts that he would take an "extended leave of absence" to help take care of his wife, Tiffany, who is "suffering from breast cancer and has been undergoing treatment in Arizona for three months." Smith has "three years left on his contract and will be paid during his absence." Texans Owner Bob McNair and his son, Vice Chair & COO Cal McNair, are "expected to hire" a new GM. Interviews "should begin this week, and the search could conclude next week." Smith said that he informed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that he will be "resigning from the NFL's influential competition committee that recommends rule changes to the owners." Smith's leave of absence "settles his differences" with coach Bill O'Brien. Meanwhile, the McNairs also have to decide if O'Brien "is going to get an extension or coach in the last year of his contract" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/2). McClain noted the GM position "should be an attractive job" for NFL personnel given "how patient Bob McNair has been and how important stability is to him." When looking for Smith's replacement, the McNairs should "look at personnel experts who are familiar with O'Brien." Having a "relationship with O'Brien, or at least having worked with him, might be in the team's best interests" to make sure the coach and GM are "on the same page" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/1). In Houston, Brian Smith wrote under the header, "Texans' Next GM Must Be On Same Page With Bill O'Brien." Smith and O'Brien "never clicked," and the next GM must "push and challenge a fiery coach." However, Smith's replacement ultimately must "back and support the coach who's supposed to finally lift the Texans to the next level" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/1).
