2002 Houston Texans season
The 2002 season was the Houston Texans' debut season in the National Football League and the first NFL season for the city of Houston since the Oilers moved to Tennessee to become the Titans in 1997. Their coaching staff was headed by Dom Capers, who previously coached the expansion Carolina Panthers when they debuted in 1995. The divisional realignment also placed the Texans and Titans in the same division.
| 2002 Houston Texans season | |
|---|---|
Texans inaugural season logo | |
| Owner | Bob McNair |
| General manager | Charley Casserly |
| Head coach | Dom Capers |
| Offensive coordinator | Chris Palmer |
| Defensive coordinator | Vic Fangio |
| Home field | Reliant Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 4–12 |
| Division place | 4th AFC South |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | 2
|
The Texans won their inaugural regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys 19–10 on Sunday Night Football. They were the first to do this since the 1961 Minnesota Vikings won their inaugural game. The Texans finished their debut season with a 4–12 record.
Due to being an expansion franchise, the Texans were given the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Houston used the selection on Fresno State quarterback David Carr. Carr finished the season with 2,592 passing yards, setting the franchise record for most passing yards by a rookie in a single season. Carr's record would not be broken until 2021, when Davis Mills finished that season with 2,664 passing yards.