1981 Houston Oilers season

1981 Houston Oilers season
OwnerBud Adams
General managerLadd Herzeg
Head coachEd Biles
Home fieldHouston Astrodome
Results
Record7–9
Division place3rd AFC Central
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersT Leon Gray
RB Earl Campbell
LB Robert Brazile
KR Carl Roaches
AP All-ProsLB Robert Brazile (2nd team)

The 1981 Houston Oilers season was the franchise's 22nd overall and the 12th in the National Football League (NFL). Bum Phillips was fired as head coach during the offseason for failing to reach the Super Bowl, and replaced by Ed Biles. However, the Oilers defensive problems would catch up with them as they finished with a disappointing 7–9 record, as Earl Campbell fought through injuries to rush for 1,376 yards. After a fast 4–2 start, Houston would struggle in the second half, going 3–7 in their final 10 games, including a critical loss to the New Orleans Saints, who finished 4–12 in 1981.