Former Houston Texans interim coach Wade Phillips has stated that he would like to stay with the franchise, despite being passed over for the role of head coach in favour of Bill O'Brien.

Phillips is the team's defensive coordinator, but took up the managerial position when Gary Kubiak was dismissed in early December.

The Texans endured a shocking campaign under Kubiak and Phillips, losing 14 games in a row to become the worst ranked side in the NFL.

"I think the Texans felt that O'Brien was best for their football team and I can deal with that," Phillips told The Houston Chronicle. "I trust the ownership and the decision they made. They felt they did what's best for their football team and I can deal with that. I told them I appreciated them letting me know.

"I don't know what the feeling is, not knowing Bill. Usually when somebody gets a job and you don't know anything, you're probably not involved. But I don't know that for a fact."

Despite their heavy losing record, the Texans were ranked seventh in yards allowed this season - something for which Phillips is highly credited.