The 2021 season was the Houston Texans' 20th season in the National Football League, and their first and only under head coach David Culley. For the first time since 2010, long-time defensive end J. J. Watt was not on the roster, as he had signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 5, 2021, reuniting him with former Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to the Cardinals the season prior. It also was the first time since 2013 without long-time head coach Bill O'Brien, as he was fired just four games into the 2020 season when the Texans began 0–4.