| 1981 Houston Oilers season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Bud Adams |
| General manager | Ladd Herzeg |
| Head coach | Ed Biles |
| Home field | Houston Astrodome |
| Results | |
| Record | 7–9 |
| Division place | 3rd AFC Central |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | T Leon Gray RB Earl Campbell LB Robert Brazile KR Carl Roaches |
| AP All-Pros | LB 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.