Texans granted permission to interview Bieniemy early

The Houston Texans interviewed Eric Bieniemy for their head coaching position Monday after getting permission to speak with the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator early.

The Texans also interviewed Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, and Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach David Culley.

The NFL waived a rule preventing teams from conducting an initial interview with a candidate who's still in the playoffs, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The amendment allowed the Texans to ask - and receive - permission from the Chiefs to meet virtually with Bieniemy before the AFC Championship Game.

Bieniemy was expected to be a coveted candidate in the 2021 coaching cycle, but five of the seven vacancies are already filled. The Texans and Philadelphia Eagles are the only clubs still looking for a new head coach.

Bieniemy reportedly received an endorsement from Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson weeks ago, but Houston interviewed other candidates before reaching out to him.

Watson, upset over the hiring process the Texans used to find a new general manager, has reportedly grown frustrated with the franchise to the point where he could seek a trade.

"(The Texans have) gone from the least desirable head coaching (opening) to the most undesirable head coaching job in the NFL," a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday. "That's a fact. That's how that job is now looked at by everybody."

The Chiefs finished first, fifth, and sixth in the NFL for points per game since Bieniemy became offensive coordinator in 2018.