Pressure shifts to Texans GM Nick Caserio to hire right coach

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View in browser NEW YEAR SALE: Get 3 Months of the Local News Source You Need for Only 99¢. Subscribe Today. Today's starting lineup Day 2 of the Texans' offseason arrived with chairman Cal McNair and general manager Nick Caserio facing the media, albeit with only the latter answering questions. If Caserio wants to be a great GM, he needs to show he can hire the right coach on his third try, writes Brian T. Smith. Meanwhile, McNair plans to be more involved in the team's latest coaching search. Here's the latest look at the potential candidates. The clock struck midnight on TCU's Cinderella run to the College Football Playoff championship game. Did it ever, with Georgia rolling to a record win and its second straight national title. The countdown begins for Houston to host next year's championship game, the last under the current format. During the Rockets' current funk, it's a case of finding good shots, only to have bad execution. Nearly a month after its last stay at the top, UH is No. 1 again in the Associated Press college basketball poll. Stat of the day: 57. Difference in margin of victory for Georgia between the College Football Playoff semifinals (1 point) and championship game (58).   Greg Rajan Texas Sports Nation editor greg.rajan@chron.com Texans / NFL   Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer Pressure shifts GM Nick Caserio, the man in charge of the Texans, has struck out big-time in his first two chances to hire a coach. This might be his last, writes Brian T. Smith.   • Getting proactive. Cal McNair, a normally hands-off owner, will be more involved with the Texans' latest coach search. • Growing list. A look at the candidates emerging for the Texans' coaching vacancy. • Cooks: Get me out of here. Receiver Brandin Cooks had hoped to be traded during the season and says again he doesn't want to stay in Houston. • 'On schedule.' Texans running back Dameon Pierce said his recovery from an ankle injury is progressing well and he could've returned earlier if needed. • Harsh words. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith had an inflammatory take about the Texans after the team fired Lovie Smith. • Costly victory. Mike Barth just needed the Texans to lose one more time. Instead, they stuck a $2 million dagger into his gambling heart. • Back home. Damar Hamlin is back in Buffalo, an uplifting sign of the remarkable progress he has made in the past week. College Football   Photo: Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press Dogs have their day Georgia ends TCU's magical season in a record-setting rout to repeat as national champions.   • Next stop: Houston. NRG Stadium will be site of the title game in January 2024 and the city wants to show that it is a "big football town." • Hall call. Former Willis star Michael Bishop is among 18 players and four coaches elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. • Closer to home. After two seasons at Arkansas, former Fort Bend Marshall star quarterback Malik Hornsby is heading to Texas State. Rockets / NBA   Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Good shots, bad execution Open 3-point looks haven't been the problem during the Rockets' dreadful 1-12 stretch. Converting them is another story.   College Basketball   Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Back on top For the second time this season, Houston has moved into the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press college basketball poll.   • Inside the ranking. An inside-the-numbers look at Houston's No. 1 ranking in this week's Associated Press college basketball poll. Worth a read   • Despite a horrific final score, TCU belonged in the national title game against Georgia. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) • Georgia cements its legend with back-to-back national titles (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) • Kliff Kingsbury's failure in Arizona is the latest proof that the college-to-NFL coaching pipeline has gone dry. (The Ringer)   Sponsored Content   Shopping 5 over-the-top lodges you can rent for a rustic ranch adventure If the glam-cowboy lifestyle appeals to you, check out these five properties recommended by Vrbo where you can book in for a rustic adventure — with all the comforts of home.   Shopping Disney just dropped a brand new Starbucks cup for the 50th anniversary A new year means a new Disney Starbucks cup.                 GET 3 MONTHS OF THE LOCAL NEWS SOURCE YOU NEED. Unlimited Digital Access for Only 99¢ Act Now No Commitment | Cancel Anytime Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences  |  Privacy Notice Houston Chronicle 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 © 2023 Hearst Communications