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Bill O'Brien Discusses Relationship with Rick Smith After Ryan Mallett's Release

The days of Hard Knocks-inspired optimism seem like years ago for the Houston Texans.

The team is a disappointing 2-5 on the 2015 season, and head coach Bill O’Brien commented on his highly discussed relationship with general manager Rick Smith on Wednesday instead of Houston’s upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

O’Brien said, per Tania Ganguli of ESPN NFL Nation, “Rick Smith and I both have respect for each other. ... Decisions are made by the two of us. Require concurrence of the owner.”

The coach also talked about his contract, per Ganguli: “Mine says that it’s a partnership and any decisions that are made are with the concurrence of the GM.