The Buffalo Bills have granted the Houston Texans permission to interview vice president of player personnel Brian Gaine, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gaine worked for the Texans' front office from 2014-16 and boasts nearly 19 years of NFL personnel experience.

Houston is seeking a new general manager while Rick Smith takes a leave of absence. Smith said Monday the current plan is for him to take a year away from the team before returning as executive vice president.