Cal McNair

McNair was born in Houston, Texas, on October 24, 1961, to Bob McNair and Janice McNair. He attended Spring Forest Middle School in Houston, where he played running back on the football team along with future NFL player Craig James.{{cite news |last1=Ganguli |first1=Tania |title=McNair's son well-versed in the family business |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/McNair-s-son-well-versed-in-the-family-business-3850445.php |access-date=9 May 2021 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=8 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514104630/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/McNair-s-son-well-versed-in-the-family-business-3850445.php |archive-date=14 May 2021 |url-status=live}} He then went to Cypress-Fairbanks High School.{{cite web |title=D. Cal McNair |url=https://business.rice.edu/person/d-cal-mcnair |website=Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University |access-date=9 May 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515142758/https://business.rice.edu/person/d-cal-mcnair |archive-date=15 May 2021 |url-status=live}} McNair earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a walk-on member of the Longhorns football team, and subsequently graduated from Rice University in 1995 with a Master's in Business Administration.

McNair became one of the first employees of his father's company, Cogen Technologies, in 1987. While working there, he worked in financial analysis and project management, supervising the construction of multiple power stations in the eastern United States. Currently, he is an executive for the Palmetto Trust Company and RCM Financial Services.

McNair has had a role with the Houston Texans franchise since its creation, and played a role in selecting many of its coaches and general managers. He was named vice chairman of the team in 2008, and chief operating officer in 2012. McNair assumed more responsibility after his father was diagnosed with cancer in 2013,{{cite news |last1=McClain |first1=John |author1-link=John McClain |title=Cal McNair groomed to run Texans |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Cal-McNair-groomed-to-run-Texans-13417556.php |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=24 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514112428/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Cal-McNair-groomed-to-run-Texans-13417556.php |archive-date=14 May 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Ganguli |first1=Tania |title=Cal McNair Q&A: A son's take |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/6799/cal-mcnair-qa-a-sons-take |access-date=9 May 2021 |work=ESPN.com |date=8 August 2014 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514104635/https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/6799/cal-mcnair-qa-a-sons-take |archive-date=14 May 2021 |url-status=live}} and was promoted to chairman in July 2018. After Bob McNair died in November 2018, Janice succeeded her husband as principal owner, while Cal took over the franchise's day-to-day operations. He was officially made chief executive officer in January 2019.

During McNair's early tenure as Texans CEO, the team employed Jack Easterby, who was originally hired in April 2019 as the Texans' executive vice president of team development before being promoted to executive vice president of football operations and serving as interim general manager.{{cite magazine |last1=Bishop |first1=Greg |last2=Vrentas |first2=Jenny |title=Jack Easterby's Rise to Power and the Chaos That Followed |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/12/10/ex-chaplain-jack-easterby-houston-texans-chaos-after-power-struggle-daily-cover |access-date=13 May 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=10 December 2020 |language=en-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607105413/https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/12/10/ex-chaplain-jack-easterby-houston-texans-chaos-after-power-struggle-daily-cover |archive-date=7 June 2021 |url-status=live}} Sports Illustrated noted that Easterby seemed to have a strong influence on McNair, in part due to their shared religious faith, and interviewed Texans staffers, some of whom portrayed the CEO as bumbling or overly trusting.{{cite magazine |last1=Bishop |first1=Greg |last2=Vrentas |first2=Jenny |title=How Jack Easterby Held on, and Why Deshaun Watson Might Slip Away From the Texans |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/01/16/texans-chaos-deshaun-watson-unhappy-how-jack-easterby-kept-his-job |access-date=13 May 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=16 January 2021 |language=en-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608225403/https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/01/16/texans-chaos-deshaun-watson-unhappy-how-jack-easterby-kept-his-job |archive-date=8 June 2021 |url-status=live}} After Easterby's hiring, there were many high-profile departures of Texans employees, including those directly involved in football operations such as general manager Brian Gaine and head coach Bill O'Brien (the former fired after less than two years as GM), and those working for the franchise in other areas, such as J. J. Moses, Amy Palcic, and Jamey Rootes.{{cite news |last1=Barshop |first1=Sarah |title=Rootes resigns as Texans' overhaul continues |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30873617/houston-texans-president-jamey-rootes-resigned |access-date=14 May 2021 |work=ESPN.com |date=10 February 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515142754/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30873617/houston-texans-president-jamey-rootes-resigned |archive-date=15 May 2021 |url-status=live}} In a December 2020 statement, Cal McNair took responsibility for each decision to fire employees. Easterby left the Texans in October 2022, a decision which the team characterized as mutual, and which was praised by members of both the organization and the Houston media.{{cite news |last1=Crumpler |first1=John |title=Texans' Cal McNair embraces chairman and CEO role with firing of Jack Easterby |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/17/texans-cal-mcnair-chairman-ceo-firing-jack-easterby/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |work=Texans Wire |publisher=USA Today |date=17 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128122346/https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/17/texans-cal-mcnair-chairman-ceo-firing-jack-easterby/ |archive-date=28 November 2022 |url-status=live |language=en}}

During the 2020 season, in which Houston went 4-12, McNair had several meetings with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, during which Watson requested that his opinion on head coach and general manager candidates be taken into account. Subsequently, the Texans hired Nick Caserio as general manager without consulting Watson, and did not include his preferred head coach candidate, Eric Bieniemy, on their original interview list. According to McNair, the organization had been waiting for Caserio's list of head coach candidates; McNair said that the quarterback was "disappointed in the (lack of) communication during the hiring process" and apologized for doing and saying things which "created mistrust".{{cite news |last1=McClain |first1=John |author1-link=John McClain |title=Texans CEO Cal McNair says Jack Easterby staying and he has texted with Deshaun Watson |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/john-mcclain/article/Cal-McNair-Texans-Deshaun-Watson-Jack-Easterby-15873730.php |access-date=14 May 2021 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126184959/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/john-mcclain/article/Cal-McNair-Texans-Deshaun-Watson-Jack-Easterby-15873730.php |archive-date=26 January 2021 |url-status=live}} Due to these events, Watson requested a trade from the Texans.{{Cite news |last=Rieken |first=Kristie |date=21 April 2021 |title=AP Source: QB Watson requests trade from Houston Texans |url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-houston-football-deshaun-watson-romeo-crennel-c36a8fdb9dda3517fbe247ef7ccb508e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907115215/https://apnews.com/article/nfl-houston-football-deshaun-watson-romeo-crennel-c36a8fdb9dda3517fbe247ef7ccb508e |archive-date=7 September 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023 |work=AP News |language=en}} After he sat out the entire 2021 NFL season because of sexual assault accusations made against him by multiple female massage therapists, Watson was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Matt |title=Texans may allow fans to swap their Deshaun Watson jerseys |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-fans-Deshaun-Watson-jersey-swap-trade-in-17426206.php |access-date=3 January 2023 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002080332/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-fans-Deshaun-Watson-jersey-swap-trade-in-17426206.php |archive-date=2 October 2022 |url-status=live |language=en}} The Texans faced lawsuits from many of these women alleging that the franchise had enabled its quarterback's behavior, which the McNairs chose to settle without admitting wrongdoing.{{cite news |last1=Trotter |first1=Jake |author1-link=Jake Trotter |title=Texans settle claims related to Watson allegations |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34248377/houston-texans-settle-claims-vs-team-relation-sexual-misconduct-allegations-involving-deshaun-watson |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=15 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304220437/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34248377/houston-texans-settle-claims-vs-team-relation-sexual-misconduct-allegations-involving-deshaun-watson |archive-date=4 March 2023 |url-status=live |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Kubena |first1=Brooks |title=After turning fans off with 2 years of dysfunction, Cal McNair and Texans brass intent on wooing them back |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/cal-mcnair-fan-dysfunction-17419543.php |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220907153219/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/cal-mcnair-fan-dysfunction-17419543.php |archive-date=7 September 2022 |url-status=live |language=en}}

In October 2021, Michael Silver of Bally Sports reported that in May of that year, McNair had referred to Covid-19 with the racially insensitive term "China virus" at a charity golf tournament benefitting the Houston Texans Foundation. McNair apologized for what he termed "an inappropriate choice of words."{{cite news |last1=Silver |first1=Michael |author1-link=Michael Silver (sportswriter) |title=EXCLUSIVE: Texans chairman Cal McNair uses anti-Asian slur at team event |url=https://www.ballysports.com/national/news/exclusive-texans-chairman-cal-mcnair-uses-anti-asian-slur-at-team-event |access-date=12 November 2021 |work=BallySports.com |publisher=Bally Sports |date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103120429/https://www.ballysports.com/national/news/exclusive-texans-chairman-cal-mcnair-uses-anti-asian-slur-at-team-event |archive-date=3 November 2021 |url-status=live |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Barshop |first1=Sarah |title=Houston Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair apologizes for 'inappropriate choice of words' at team event in May |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32481335/houston-texans-chairman-ceo-cal-mcnair-apologizes-inappropriate-choice-words-team-event-may |access-date=12 November 2021 |work=ESPN.com |date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028150448/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32481335/houston-texans-chairman-ceo-cal-mcnair-apologizes-inappropriate-choice-words-team-event-may |archive-date=28 October 2021 |url-status=live |language=en}}

Houston's on-field struggles in 2020 and 2021 pushed McNair to make changes to the organization's relationship with its fans, and he stated that he was optimistic about the team's chances in 2022. After the Texans performed poorly, head coach Lovie Smith was fired, making it the second consecutive season Houston fired its head coach after one season in charge, and McNair announced his intent to be more involved in the hiring process for the next coach.{{cite news |last1=Kubena |first1=Brooks |title=Cal McNair to be more involved in Texans' head coaching search with Nick Caserio |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Houston-Texans-coach-Cal-McNair-Nick-Caserio-17705177.php |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230110054742/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Houston-Texans-coach-Cal-McNair-Nick-Caserio-17705177.php |archive-date=10 January 2023 |url-status=live |language=en}} Ultimately, the franchise selected DeMeco Ryans for the vacant position. After the selection of quarterback C. J. Stroud with the second pick in the 2023 NFL draft, McNair denied rumors that he had directed the members of the front office to take Stroud.{{cite news |last1=Bien-Aime |first1=DJ |title=Texans owner says he didn't force Stroud pick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37566814/texans-owner-says-force-cj-stroud-pick-nfl-draft |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=8 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519125104/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37566814/texans-owner-says-force-cj-stroud-pick-nfl-draft |archive-date=19 May 2023 |language=en}}

On March 26, 2024, McNair succeeded his mother as principal owner of the Texans.{{cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Drew |title= Cal McNair approved as principal owner of Houston Texans |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/cal-mcnair-approved-as-principal-owner-of-houston-texans |website=HoustonTexans.com |date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024}}

McNair has supported a wide variety of charitable causes. He is a member of the board of the foundation named for his parents, as well as a director of the Houston Texans Foundation. In September 2018, after their son Jackson died during infancy, Cal and Hannah McNair hosted a benefit at a Houston restaurant for the 80th anniversary of March of Dimes which raised $450,000.{{cite news |last1=Mathews |first1=Chris |title=Husband and wife team up off the field for cause that hits close to home |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/09/12/husband-and-wife-team-up-off-the-field-for-cause.html |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=Houston Business Journal |date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210625024517/https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/09/12/husband-and-wife-team-up-off-the-field-for-cause.html |archive-date=25 June 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Elliott |first1=Amber |title=McNair family and Houston Texans put a philanthropic spin on Monday night football |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/society/article/McNair-family-and-Houston-Texans-put-a-13267038.php |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624223549/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/society/article/McNair-family-and-Houston-Texans-put-a-13267038.php |archive-date=24 June 2021 |url-status=live}} They have also supported the YMCA, Houston Food Bank, United Way, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

McNair's first marriage, which produced three daughters, ended in divorce in 2002. Six years later, he met Hannah Hartland, who he married in 2009.{{cite news |last1=Ganguli |first1=Tania |title=Why Bob McNair felt the time was right to make Cal McNair Texans COO |url=https://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/09/why-bob-mcnair-felt-the-time-was-right-to-make-cal-mcnair-texans-coo/ |access-date=9 May 2021 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=11 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515142810/https://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/09/why-bob-mcnair-felt-the-time-was-right-to-make-cal-mcnair-texans-coo/ |archive-date=15 May 2021 |url-status=live}} He has had four children with her, giving him a total of seven.

McNair has mentioned that he enjoys being outdoors. He has participated in big-game hunting of animals including buffalo, elephants, leopards, and lions.

In November 2022, McNair was inducted into the Cy-Fair High School Athletic Hall of Honor.{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Aaron |title=Texans CEO Cal McNair inducted into Cy-Fair High School Athletic Hall of Honor |url=https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2022/11/07/texans-ceo-cal-mcnair-inducted-into-cy-fair-high-school-athletic-hall-of-honor/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |work=KPRC-TV |date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117060010/https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2022/11/07/texans-ceo-cal-mcnair-inducted-into-cy-fair-high-school-athletic-hall-of-honor/ |archive-date=17 November 2022 |url-status=live |language=en}}

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Category:1961 births

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