Firing of Capers Is Expected

The Houston Texans, whose loss Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers gave the team the worst record in the NFL this season, are expected to fire Coach Dom Capers today.

But the Texans, who finished 2-14, will retain General Manager Charley Casserly, a person close to the organization told the Associated Press on Sunday.

The announcements were expected today, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

By losing to the 49ers, 20-17 in overtime, however, the Texans gained the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft in April.

And in winning their fourth game of the season, the 49ers salvaged some pride in their miserable season.

Both teams sometimes seemed determined to lose during a wacky afternoon that included a scoreless fourth quarter at rain-soaked Candlestick Park. Houston lost quarterback David Carr and top receiver Andre Johnson to injuries in the first half, then went scoreless for nearly 32 minutes to end the game.

During the overtime period, 49er Mike Adams lateraled his second interception to Ben Emanuel for a 35-yard return in overtime, Joe Nedney kicked a 33-yard field goal with 3:52 left, and the 49ers earned their first consecutive victories in more than two years.

Adams returned a third-quarter interception 40 yards for a tying touchdown for the 49ers (4-12), whose own No. 1 pick, Alex Smith, finally threw his first career touchdown pass late in the first half.

Capers, 55, had been the Texans’ only coach in its four seasons. He also had been fired after coaching the expansion Carolina Panthers in their first four seasons.