Bill O'Brien may be known for his tough, no-nonsense approach to coaching, but he is also big on balancing work and family.
"I have great perspective on these things," O'Brien said. "I have a fantastic wife, Colleen, and I have two young sons, one that's special-needs, Jack, and an 8-year-old, Michael, who will be running around here very soon. And I think the most important thing in your life is your family. That's really, really an important part of my life."
For the O'Brien family, the decision to move to Houston was based partly on the world-class medical center just miles away.
"He was born with what they call a brain malformation and there's a fantastic children's hospital here that my wife and I have already researched," O'Brien said. "It's one of the best in the world. So we're looking forward to meeting the people there and meeting all of the people in Houston."
The Texans new head coach was impressed with the organization's emphasis on family. Upon meeting with founder, chairman, and CEO Bob McNair, he knew they both shared similar family values.
"I know when I met with Mr. McNair and Cal and met Janice and had dinner with them and talked to them, I know that family is really important to them," O'Brien said. "And so when I went back home and talked to my wife about it, you know that was a big deal. Family is very, very important here at the Houston Texans and I think that's important. There's only so many hours in a day. Some of them have to be spent with your family. No question about it."
O'Brien arrived in Houston on Thursday afternoon. His wife, Colleen and sons, Jack and Michael, did not make the trip but will be joining him soon.
"They're not here today," O'Brien said at his press conference Friday. "It was tough in the transition to get the babysitter that we had to get. They'll be here eventually, but they're not here today and I'd like to thank them for their support during this whole process."
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