Bill O'Brien has denied reports of a power struggle between him and general manager Rick Smith.

The Houston Texans waived Ryan Mallett after he missed the team's flight to play the Miami Dolphins.

"I've been told over the last couple of days that a lot of things have been said in the media about how the organization works," O'Brien said, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. "Let me say this: Rick and I have respect for each other. We work together and communicate every day. It's a partnership. Decisions are made by the two of us.

"Obviously, they require the concurrence of the owner, Bob McNair. That's how it works around here."

O'Brien reportedly wanted to cut Mallett before the Texans even took the field to play the Dolphins, while Smith lobbied to keep Mallett so they could have a capable backup in the game.