Report: O'Brien negotiated Johnson trade for Texans

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien worked directly with the Cleveland Browns to execute the trade for running back Duke Johnson, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, citing sources.

The Texans don't have a general manager and reportedly tabbed four members of the front office to split relevant duties.

O'Brien, however, was apparently the one on the phone with Browns general manager John Dorsey. The Texans acquired Johnson for a fourth-round pick that will turn into a third-rounder if he is active for 10 games, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

The power structure in Houston has long been a talking point, with nobody outside the organization totally sure of how much influence O'Brien holds in football operations.

Houston fired its previous general manager, Brian Gaine, in June after just one season. The Texans then tried to hire Nick Caserio from the New England Patriots, but dropped their pursuit after the Patriots filed tampering charges with the NFL.