Texans promotes O’Brien, Easterby; Astros reportedly close to manager deal

The Houston Texans announced two promotions on Jan. 28, while the Houston Astros reportedly are finalizing a deal to hire a new manager.

Bill O’Brien was named general manager of the Texans in addition to retaining his existing title of head coach. O’Brien was named head coach in January 2014 and received a four-year contract extension last January.

The previous GM, Brian Gaine, was fired in June. At the time, the Texans said Chris Olsen, the team’s senior vice president of football administration,…