The Texans fired VP/Communications AMY PALCIC, leading to an outpouring of support from a wide range of NFL beat reporters for the first woman to have full public relations responsibility for a team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Palcic was told she was no longer a "cultural fit," a term that raised eyebrows among NFL insiders for its history of sometimes being used as euphemism for discrimination against a protected class. THE DAILY has not independently confirmed use of that phrase. The move comes roughly one month after the Texans fired head coach & GM BILL O'BRIEN, and elevated EVP/football operations JACK EASTERBY to the GM position. Palcic is widely respected by her peers and journalists, and in '17, the Texans PR staff won the Pete Rozelle Award, given annually by the Professional Football Writers of America to the PR staff that "consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media." Texans President JAMEY ROOTES did not return a message seeking comment.
A "STUNNING" MOVE: Many NFL reporters were caught off guard with the news this morning, with ESPN's Field Yates asking, "If she doesn’t fit, what kind of culture do the Texans want?" Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson called the move "crap," noting Palcic was "absolutely aces throughout Hurricane Harvey, too - when the org really needed it." NBC Sports’ Peter King: “This is a stunning move. Stunning. Amy Palcic is one of the best media-relations people I’ve met in my 36 years covering the NFL. Top 5.” PFT's Charean Williams: "The Texans have turned into one of the worst organizations in football since Bob McNair died. @amypalcic was the best. She certainly was too good for what the Texans deserve." Columbus Dispatch's Bill Rabinowitz: "You won’t find a more dedicated, professional, caring and competent person than her. ... This is disgraceful." Sports journalist Andrea Kremer: "Shocked. Palcic is the consummate professional & always a pleasure to deal with. She respects our jobs and what we need while never compromising the objectives of her team. The NFL is better with her in it." The Athletic's Richard Deitsch: "I'd expect every person who covers the NFL to weigh in here given Amy Palcic's excellent rep."
