The Houston Texans have fired Bill O'Brien as their head coach and general manager after an 0-4 start to the 2020 season, according to widespread reports.

O'Brien has served as head coach of the Texans since 2014 and led them to four AFC South titles.

However, his moves since taking over as GM in January this year have led to intense scrutiny on O'Brien, with the decision to trade All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins widely criticised.

Hopkins, who had five 1,000-yard seasons in seven years with the Texans, was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals for the scant return of a second-round pick, a 2021 fourth-rounder and running back David Johnson.

The Texans and star quarterback Deshaun Watson have struggled mightily without Hopkins, with Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in O'Brien's final game dropping them to an 0-4 hole.

Romeo Crennel is expected to take over as interim coach, with the Texans facing the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday as they search for their first win.