Texans owner: Bill O'Brien safe as coach even if team had lost

HOUSTON -- Texans head coach Bill O'Brien will return next season.

After the Texans' 27-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders in the opening round of the playoffs Saturday, owner Bob McNair said he never considered firing O'Brien even if Houston lost, despite reports speculating otherwise.

"There's nothing to it," McNair said. "I got a chuckle out of it. I'm not going to fire him. We're already talking about next year."

O'Brien said he plans to stay for at least the remainder of his five-year contract.

"I have two years left on my contract," O'Brien said. "I'm looking forward to coaching here, and I'm looking forward to getting ready for this next game. I think it's a great win today for our team."

The Texans will play at either the New England Patriots or Kansas City Chiefs in next weekend's AFC divisional round.