Sports // Texans

Cal McNair groomed to run Texans

Do not expect Bob McNair's death to cause any philosophical changes in the way the Texans are run.

For the last few years, McNair had been grooming Cal, one of his two sons, to take over the Texans.

Janice McNair, Bob's wife, will be the owner, with Cal McNair, 58, handling the day-to-day operations.

Cal, 58, was his father's right-hand man since the early 2000s. He's been involved in every major decision the franchise has made, most recently the hiring of general manager Brian Gaine and extending the contract of coach Bill O'Brien.

Since his father was diagnosed with two forms of skin cancer in 2013 and began treatment to fight the disease, Cal McNair took on a more active role. He's been a familiar figure at practice, games, around the office and at NFL meetings.

While Bob McNair continued to battle skin cancer, Cal was promoted to Texans' chairman from vice chairman, a title he had since 2008. His father became senior chairman as well as founder and CEO.

Cal and his dad were extremely close. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. Bob's strengths — intelligence, patience, graciousness and competitiveness — are his son's strengths, too.

Like his father, Cal attends practice and meets with O'Brien and Gaine on the field afterward. Like his father, he'll be low-key and remain in the background while making sure the organization, including the administrative side led by president Jamey Rootes, has the resources to be one of the league's most successful operations.

Cal McNair grew up in Houston, played football at Cy-Fair High School and continued his playing career at the University of Texas. He earned a master's degree from Rice.

Just because he played football doesn't mean Cal will interfere in football decisions. He's shrewd enough to leave those decisions to the football people, but, like his father, he wants to be well-informed about what's going on with the team.

Also like his dad, Cal will sign off on key decisions. He'll pay his people well and make sure to let them run their departments. And if they don't and he has to make tough decisions, he will.

Cal has six children. He and his wife, Hannah, are heavily involved in the Houston community. They are philanthropists for a lot of charitable causes, including in education and medicine. They host business and political leaders in the Founders Suite on game days.

Before games, Cal McNair can be found on the sideline, greeting players, coaches, dignitaries and guests. After games, he can be found outside the tunnel that leads to the team's dressing room, congratulating or consoling his players.

Only time will tell if there will be any noticeable changes in the way the Texans operate under Cal McNair, but those who know him best say it'll be a smooth transition.







Past Articles from this Author: