December 11, 2013
More Losses Precede Kubiak Firing
by Bob Hulsey

The Houston Texans continued their ride off the rails in 2013, turning what had been anticipated as a playoff season into a contest for the top overall draft choice, the third time in franchise history the Texans could start at the top of the selection order.

Along the way, two frustrating losses to the equally miserable Jacksonville Jaguars cemented the fate of Head Coach Gary Kubiak, who was relieved of his duties on December 6th. Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips became the interim head coach, and the hunt began for a replacement.

On the field, Case Keenum got to audition for the quarterback role while Matt Schaub was given mop-up duty by Kubiak, perhaps widening the rift between owner Bob McNair and Kubiak before the axe fell.

Names being discussed on Kirby Drive to replace Kubiak include former Bears head coach Lovie Smith and former Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt. As more coaches become available in the offseason, McNair and General Manager Rick Smith will have more possibilities to mull over.

Who will quarterback next year's team is also an open question. It seems Schaub has played himself out of the competition and is likely to be either a cap release or a trade possibility. Might Keenum stay and what is to become of T.J. Yates, who began the year as Schaub's backup? Surely, the Texans will use a high draft pick on another quarterback, but there is no "franchise" type like Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin available this spring. Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater might be the closest fit.

While three more games remain on the schedule (at Indianapolis, vs Denver, at Tennessee), none of them appear to be potential wins on paper although surely McNair does not want to end the year on an Astro-like 14-game losing streak. Teams like Atlanta and Washington will leave the Texans little margin for error if they want to hold onto the overall first pick.

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