AC

Bill O'Brien has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to become the next coach of the Houston Texans, and the two sides are working to get a deal in place within the next week, league sources told ESPN. O'Brien met with the Texans this week after Christmas at his home in Cape Cod, resulting in intensified discussions they hope will culminate with a finalized contract, the sources said. The Texans still have a short list of candidates in case talks break down with the Penn State coach, sources added. The Texans also are being assisted by Jed Hughes, who heads a sports executive search firm, per sources. Until anything is final, the Texans have scheduled other interviews with candidates such as San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. They also are known to have interviewed former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith and interim coach Wade Phillips. The Texans had been doing due diligence on O'Brien, including his six-year stint with the ...