Texans interim GM Jack Easterby has "never expressed an interest or desire to retain the team's general manager position," contrary to a report, and has "never been in consideration for the job," according to sources cited by Jason La Canfora of CBSSPORTS.com. The Texans, in consultation with search firm Korn Ferry, have "compiled a list of general manager candidates" and are in the "process of beginning to outline a timeline to conduct interviews with executives who are currently not employed by NFL teams." That process is "set to pick up after Thanksgiving" (CBSSPORTS.com, 11/22).
MAINTAINING A ROLE: ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop noted Easterby will "continue to influence the organization in a leadership role, charged with establishing a positive culture within the Texans organization." Texans Chair & CEO Cal McNair said, "He will have a significant role in helping shape our future here within the Texans. He is going to be an incredibly valuable part of our franchise moving forward as he works with our next general manager and next head coach." Barshop noted Easterby is the "highest-ranking front-office person in terms of title in the Texans' organization." Although Easterby's jump to a leadership role and personnel role "might surprise some people around the league," those close to him said that while they "might not have guessed he'd ever be running an NFL team, the fact he's in a leadership role isn't a shock at all" (ESPN.com, 11/21).
MOTIVES QUESTIONED: In Boston, Ben Volin noted Easterby got a "better title" when he moved from the Patriots to the Texans -- Exec VP/Team Development -- and has since "ascended even higher ... for someone whose background is in hosting team Bible study, not scouting or coaching." But with his ascension "come the charges, perhaps unfairly," that Easterby has "stabbed a few of his colleagues in the back along the way." He has "not responded to the accusations." But sources said that Easterby’s relationship with the Patriots "isn’t nearly as fractured as it appears." The Texans also "don’t see Easterby as an opportunist, and are trying to set the record straight" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/22).
