Well, that was quick.
The Houston Texans announced Friday they have ended their pursuit of Patriots executive Nick Caserio for their open general manager position.
Houston formally requested an interview with Caserio on Monday after firing GM Brian Gaine last Friday. On Wednesday, New England filed tampering charges against the Texans for their attempted hire of Caserio. Houston coach Bill O’Brien is a former Patriots assistant, who hired former Patriots character coach Jack Easterby this offseason and elevated him to a high-ranking position.
Once tampering charges were filed Wednesday, the Texans’ decision to fire Gaine one day after New England held its Super Bowl ring ceremony last week drew outside scrutiny. Both Easterby and Caserio attended the ceremony at the house of Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
New England dropped its charges Friday. Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair released the following statement:
"When we started the process to interview Nick Caserio for our EVP/GM position, we consulted the League office on numerous occasions, followed the procedures outlined in the League’s rules and believed we were in full compliance. We have now been made aware of certain terms in Nick’s contract with the Patriots.
“Once we were made aware of these contract terms, I informed Mr. Kraft that we would stop pursuing Nick.”
The news of Houston’s withdrawal was first reported by The Houston Chronicle.
The Texans will host the Patriots for a regular-season game on Dec. 1.