O'Brien thanks Penn State as he takes Texans job

Bill O'Brien says he understands how some people feel let down because he left Penn State after only two years as head coach, but he wants them to know that he didn't want to pass up a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity presented to him by the Houston Texans.

O'Brien was introduced Friday as the Texans' new head coach at a packed news conference inside Reliant Stadium in Houston. And he made sure to reach out to his former players and Penn State fans during his opening remarks.

"I want to thank Penn State for the opportunity they gave me to be their head football coach," he said. "I love the players at Penn State, and I respect their toughness and their resiliency and everything they demonstrated on a day-to-day basis. From the day we walked in the door at Penn State, the players did everything we asked them to do, and I respect them for that.

"I do regret not being able to continue with the great kids on that team. Again, while I tried to never mislead anyone, I understand if some people feel let down. I do, I understand that. Again, it was a decision that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and it was a great opportunity for my family. I'm really, really excited to be the new head coach of the Houston Texans."

After word leaked last weekend of O'Brien's talks with the Texans, reports surfaced that one high school recruit said O'Brien told him he was staying at Penn State, and that the father of quarterback Christian Hackenberg was "comfortable" after the two men spoke.

O'Brien's two years with the Nittany Lions were noticed by Texans chairman and chief executive officer Bob McNair, who liked the way the coach dealt with the NCAA sanctions and other effects of the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State.

"He has a great way with people," McNair said. "He's a great leader. He's showed that he has the ability to step into different situations and turn them around. He did that at Penn State in very difficult circumstances and did an outstanding job there."

O'Brien preferred not to answer a question on how he persuaded players to stay with the Lions after the sanctions, saying: "I'm the head football coach of the Houston Texans right now."

However, he added: "I had a fantastic experience at Penn State. The players there mean a lot to me, and they always will. When we went in there to Penn State, there were some tough things that happened, but those kids and our staff, we never let it affect us. It was all about doing the right thing both on and off the field."

O'Brien said his experience at Penn State, his first head coaching job, prepared him for what's ahead with Houston, and he thanked university president Rodney Erickson and athletic director Dave Joyner.

"I really appreciate Penn State for giving me that opportunity," he said. "It was a fantastic experience for me and my family. I owe a lot to Penn State."