The Houston Texans finished 2025 at 12–5, taking second in the AFC South. They crushed the Pittsburgh Steelers 30–6 in the Wild Card round, but their season ended in the Divisional Round with a 28–16 loss to the New England Patriots, where C.J. Stroud threw four interceptions, marking the franchise’s seventh failure to advance past the second round.
As the front office retools for 2026, the team announced two new executive roles on Monday. Steve Johnson is the new Chief Planning Officer, overseeing the development of the “Toro District” in Bridgeland.
And Hannah McNair, wife of owner Cal McNair, was named Chief Community Officer. While the team framed these moves as a sign of growth, the reaction from the community was absolutely mixed, especially the appointment of McNair led to endless chatter online.
Hannah McNair promoted to chief community officer in bold Texans leadership shift
Hannah McNair moved from VP of the team’s foundation to the new role of Chief Community Officer. The Texans described it as an elevation of her recent work, noting that the foundation’s reach tripled under her watch.
Houston Texans, Nico Collins
Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates with Hannah McNair after the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns in a 2024 AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
She also built a Girls Flag Football program that now serves 3,750 athletes in 150 high schools. In her statement, she credited the team’s charitable roots to founders Bob and Janice McNair.
ESPN’s Adam Scheffernoted, “Texans continue to expand their reach in Houston as Hannah McNair now takes on more of a leadership role.”
Texans continue to expand their reach in Houston as Hannah McNair now takes on more of a leadership role. https://t.co/LZXNb4e2Rf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2026
However, critics don’t like the family angle in this latest appointment. Unlike other team executives, McNair will report directly to her husband instead of the team president.
The Sports Business Journal pointed out that this arrangement is unique among current NFL teams. But fans don’t like this idea.
NFL fans blast Texans’ promotion as a classic nepo move
As soon as the ESPN reporter shared the news, folks were absolutely divided.
One fanwrote, “Owner’s wife snags cushy title while fans foot the bill.”
Another fanadded, “Worse than underqualified. She is utterly unqualified.”
A third userremarked, “She has a team full of nepo friends that are not qualified to do their jobs. It’s been like this for several years, I fear.”
A random X user took a more sardonic angle,suggestingMcNair tackle Houston’s airport TSA backlog next.
The fight oneclaimed, “Expanded leadership? Sure but let’s be real, some are already asking: is this about real impact in H-Town, or just another PR power move dressed up as community love?”
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The Texans haven’t responded to the backlash. With the season months away, this management shake-up is currently a bigger story in Houston than the team’s roster.