What Happened to the Houston Oilers?

While the NFL odds for the Houston Oilers in the Super Bowl were nonexistent, as they never made it to the big game, the franchise has a lasting legacy filled with Hall of Fame players like George Blanda, Warren Moon, Earl Campbell, and more.

Now the Oilers are no more, but what happened to them? 

What Happened to the Houston Oilers?

The Oilers began in Houston in 1960 as a member of the AFL, but joined the NFL after the merger. In 1996, owner Bud Adams opted to relocate the team to Tennessee due to issues with the stadium. 

There were financial disagreements in Houston related to a new or significantly upgraded stadium, such as the city’s desire to help pay for it. In 1999, the franchise officially moved to Tennessee and became the Tennessee Titans. 

What Year Were the Houston Oilers Founded? 

Established in 1960, the Oilers played in the American Football League (AFL) until 1969. In 1970, they transitioned to the NFL and remained a team until 1996. 

The team was owned by Bud Adams, a Houston businessman who made his fortune in the oil industry. He had previously submitted bids for NFL expansion in Houston. The team won two AFL championships in 1960 and 1961. 

When Did the Houston Oilers Move to Tennessee?

The Oilers moved to Tennessee in 1997 and became the Tennessee Oilers. They were known under that name in 1997 and 1998 before becoming the Titans in the 1999 season. 

The Oilers moved from Houston to Tennessee for numerous reasons. This included waning attendance (the third least in 1994 and the worst in the league in 1995 and 1996), 17 wins from 1994 to 1996, and the owner’s desire for a new stadium, but his inability to secure one on his terms in Houston.