Texans "parting ways" with VP of football ops. Jack Easterby

BOSTON -- Jack Easterby is out in Houston. The Texans are "parting ways" with their executive VP of football operations, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

It's a move that many Houstonians have been waiting for since the former Patriots chaplain and character coach joined the Texans front office in 2019. Easterby was a favorite of Texans owner Cal McNair and was very influential in the team's moves over the last four years, but the team has been in a nosedive since his arrival. Easterby's run is now done after four years in Houston.

McNair announced Monday afternoon that the team and Easterby had agreed to mutually part ways.

"I met with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Jack Easterby and we have mutually agreed to part ways," the Texans owner said in a statement. "For the remainder of the season, effective immediately, his responsibilities will be absorbed by our Football Operations staff. We acknowledge Jack's positive contributions and wish him and his family the best in the future."

Easterby, who spent six seasons in various roles in New England before being hired by Houston, was the mastermind behind hiring former Patriots director of player personal Nick Caserio as the team's new General Manager and bringing in Lovie Smith at head coach to replace David Culley for the 2022 season. It's unclear what Easterby's ousting means for those two moving forward.

The Texans are off to a 1-3-1 start this year, after going 4-25 the previous two seasons.