What Is 1989 Houston Oilers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1989 Houston Oilers finished the NFL season with a 9-7 record, narrowly missing the playoffs under head coach Jerry Glanville. They played their home games at the Houston Astrodome and were led by quarterback Warren Moon.

Key Facts

9-7 regular season record in 1989
Missed playoffs despite strong offensive performance
Warren Moon threw for 4,689 yards and 26 touchdowns
Played home games at the Houston Astrodome
Jerry Glanville was head coach for final season

Overview

The 1989 Houston Oilers represented the franchise in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1989 season, marking the team's 30th year overall and 20th in the NFL. Competing in the AFC Central Division, the Oilers posted a winning record but fell short of postseason qualification under head coach Jerry Glanville, who stepped down after the season.

Despite missing the playoffs, the 1989 campaign was notable for its offensive firepower, led by quarterback Warren Moon. The team played all home games at the Houston Astrodome, continuing a long-standing tradition, and showcased one of the most prolific passing attacks in league history.

Record: The Oilers finished the regular season with a 9-7 record, placing second in the AFC Central behind the Cleveland Browns.
Playoffs: Despite a winning record, the team missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers and stronger performances by wild card contenders.
Offense: Led by Warren Moon, the offense ranked among the league leaders, with Moon throwing for 4,689 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Defensive struggles: The defense allowed 454 points, the most in the NFL that season, undermining the team's playoff chances.
Coaching transition: Jerry Glanville coached his final season; he was replaced by Jack Pardee in the offseason.

How It Works

The 1989 Houston Oilers operated within the NFL's regular season structure, playing 16 games under a divisional format. Their performance reflected both offensive excellence and defensive shortcomings, shaping their season outcome.

Warren Moon's Role: Moon served as the starting quarterback and set a career-high with 4,689 passing yards, showcasing elite arm strength and field vision.
AFC Central Division: The team competed against the Browns, Bengals, Steelers, and Colts, finishing behind Cleveland in the standings.
Astrodome Advantage: Playing at the Houston Astrodome, the Oilers had a consistent home-field environment, though attendance fluctuated.
Run-and-Shoot Offense: The team utilized the run-and-shoot formation, emphasizing quick passes and receiver motion to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Eddy led a defense that struggled, ranking last in the NFL in points allowed at 28.4 per game.
Season Turning Point: A late-season loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10 eliminated playoff hopes despite a 7-5 start.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1989 Houston Oilers compared to division rivals and league averages:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Houston Oilers	9-7	455	454	Did not qualify
Cleveland Browns	9-7	353	314	Lost in Divisional Round
Cincinnati Bengals	8-8	349	318	Did not qualify
Pittsburgh Steelers	9-7	309	287	Did not qualify
Indianapolis Colts	8-8	328	306	Did not qualify

The Oilers' high-scoring offense was offset by defensive inefficiency. Despite matching the Browns' win total, Cleveland advanced due to a better divisional record. This highlighted how tiebreakers and defensive performance impacted playoff access, even with strong individual performances like Moon's record-setting year.

Why It Matters

The 1989 season remains a pivotal chapter in Oilers history, illustrating the volatility of NFL success and the importance of balanced team performance. Though they missed the playoffs, the year underscored Warren Moon's elite status and exposed systemic defensive flaws.

Legacy of Warren Moon: His 4,689 passing yards set a benchmark for future quarterbacks and solidified his Hall of Fame trajectory.
End of Glanville Era: Jerry Glanville's departure marked a shift in team philosophy, leading to a more offensive-minded approach under Pardee.
Defensive Overhaul: The 454 points allowed prompted significant roster changes and coaching adjustments in 1990.
Fan Engagement: Despite missing playoffs, average attendance remained strong, reflecting continued local support.
Historical Context: The season preceded the team's eventual relocation to Tennessee in the late 1990s.
Influence on Strategy: The run-and-shoot offense influenced later NFL passing schemes and inspired future high-octane attacks.

The 1989 Houston Oilers season exemplifies how individual brilliance can coexist with team shortcomings. It remains a case study in offensive innovation and the consequences of defensive vulnerability at the professional level.