Wade Phillips is the new DC

[NBT]

Reported by ABC.

[WMH]

Shocker!!!!!!

[HPF Bob]

That didn't take long. I'm sure Bum is happy.

I'm still wondering whether the defense becomes a 3-4 or stays a 4-3.

[Joshua]

I guess I missed when all those other candidates Bob and Gary told us they would be interviewing came to town. Gotta love the due diligence of this bunch. Of course, with their track record of success on defense, why waste time interviewing more than 1 person? Clearly, they know what they are doing.

[painekiller]

Wade is dening that he has been offered the job. He is coming in for an inverview tomorrow.

According to John McClain (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7365774.html)

[coloradodude]

Good for Wade and good for us!

Do I need to mention Dom Capers success as a DC verses a HC?

[TheMatrix31]

Very good move if/when it happens. I just hate having him be next in command if Kubiak gets fired mid-year next year.

[WMH]

Very good move if/when it happens. I just hate having him be next in command if Kubiak gets fired mid-year next year.

I hear ya, but if Kubiak is fired mid-season next year........does it really matter?

There is a little denial going on right now, IMO, it just doesn't matter. This deal was likely done prior to the final whistle on Sunday.

Side note - McClain's twitter page indcated that Kubiak DID have a conversaton with Marvin Lewis last night, of course, that is a mute point since he resigned to be the HC for the Bungles.....

[Arky]

Very good move if/when it happens. I just hate having him be next in command if Kubiak gets fired mid-year next year.

I wouldn't worry too much about this. It would take a 1-7 start, players quitting on him, his mother disowning him, etc. for Bob to pull the plug..... Bob's MO is patience....

[chuck]

So let me get this straight, in order to show the fans that the team is prepared to act in order to repair the worst defense in recent history (and an offense that simply could not score in the first half) they are going to hire as Defensive Coordinator a 65 year old failure whose preferred scheme does not fit the current roster, at all?

This is nothing more than a cynical PR move to feed some red meat to the Don't Mess With Texas crowd. What utter bullshit. This franchise is a joke.

[Blitzwood]

So let me get this straight, in order to show the fans that the team is prepared to act in order to repair the worst defense in recent history (and an offense that simply could not score in the first half) they are going to hire as Defensive Coordinator a 65 year old failure whose preferred scheme does not fit the current roster, at all?

This is nothing more than a cynical PR move to feed some red meat to the Don't Mess With Texas crowd. What utter bullshit. This franchise is a joke.

So True.

A good Ol boy(McNair) hires a good Ol boy(Kubes) that hires another good Ol boy(Wade).....great plan.

When McNair said it was about having the 3rd best offense during my lunch, I almost spit up coke, wtf is he talking about......it's harder to say that he extended him three more years last year and he's not about to give that up!



And if we have all these players' coaches who's gonna jump on their ass when they screw up??

Wake me up when McNair's done with his wet dream...:rolleyes:

[Nconroe]

here is a nice bio on Wade in case interested

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade_Phillips

[Roy P]

I am hoping these reports are greatly exagerated. Early speculation to sell newspapers. I really don't want Wade to come here. The mindset is to get somebody with DC experience instead of hiring a position coach. With other teams possibly replacing HC positions, then Rob Ryan or Mike Nolan could become available. Running a 3-4 sounds like a wonderful idea to me. Connor Barwin & Mark Anderson are athletic enough to play OLB. We just would need a NT. We've needed a NT since Seth Payne left to clog up the middle & he wasn't a 'typical' Nose. With Pitt & N.E. having Bye weeks, I'd be interviewing some LB coaches, Line Coaches, Secondary coaches; just to hear some ideas. Just sayin.

[chuck]

Running a 3-4 sounds like a wonderful idea to me. Connor Barwin & Mark Anderson are athletic enough to play OLB.

Man. Not only would any TE on any NFL roster torch an OLB tandem of Barwin and Mark Anderson, Demeco and Cushing are particularly unsuited to be ILBs in a 3-4. And I won't even bother telling you that Mario is a prototypical 4-3 DE and has no real place in a 3-4 because I know you already know that. There is literally no safety on the roster who can cover a Left Tackle and you want Barwin and Anderson at OLB? Wow. Peyton manning would redefine the word 'abuse.'

At least you're not echoing Wade's dad who said that he'd try Amobi at OLB.

Everywhere I turn it's the lunatics running the asylum.

Look, I'd be delighted to have a defense that looks like New England's, a hybrid that shifts (moving quickly I initially typed 'shits' - we already have a defense that does that...) and morphs unpredictably in response to down, distance, offensive personnel, etc. I wouldn't mind moving Mario around and showing different looks and confusing the hell out of QBs all over the league. The problem is relatively speaking Belichick is a Harvard PhD and the goons running the Texans are paste-eating, finger-painting Aggies. Actually, in certain instances this is literally true.

[HPF Bob]

It should be noted that Wade Phillips was a former HC in Denver (the one between Reeves and Shanahan) and this was likely around the time Kubiak began coaching with the Broncos, so there is already familiarity between the two.

That said, I still don't like the fact that neither one displays much toughness which is why their teams underachieve, particularly in clutch situations.

OTOH, reports out of SF are that the 49er players were "scared" of Singletary and didn't play well because they were too afraid of his ranting and screaming and became "tight". Singletary's famous coaching introduction where he dropped trou to show his players what he expected of them may not have been his only creative locker room motivator (don't know if he ever ate a worm like his Baylor mentor Grant Teaff did).

Antics aside, give me a coach with Singletary's fire. If players are scared of him, then dangit, they ought to be more motivated, not less. Cry babies.

[TheMatrix31]

Wade Phillips a failure? Yes, as head coach.

As a defensive coordinator? He's proven to be really, really good.

[painekiller]

It should be noted that Wade Phillips was a former HC in Denver (the one between Reeves and Shanahan) and this was likely around the time Kubiak began coaching with the Broncos, so there is already familiarity between the two.

That said, I still don't like the fact that neither one displays much toughness which is why their teams underachieve, particularly in clutch situations.

OTOH, reports out of SF are that the 49er players were "scared" of Singletary and didn't play well because they were too afraid of his ranting and screaming and became "tight". Singletary's famous coaching introduction where he dropped trou to show his players what he expected of them may not have been his only creative locker room motivator (don't know if he ever ate a worm like his Baylor mentor Grant Teaff did).

Antics aside, give me a coach with Singletary's fire. If players are scared of him, then dangit, they ought to be more motivated, not less. Cry babies.

Kubiak would have met Wade back in the 70's when Gary was the ball boy and Wade was the DL coach for the Oilers. The next time they crossed paths Gary was a backup QB and Wade was the DC in Denver back in 1989. Gary played in Denver through 1991 when he retired from playing to go into coaching.

They have not been on the same team since.

As for you guys bitching about position coaches, why don't we wait to see who they hire and also wait to see which players they acquire to install the new defense.

Sounds to me like they will be active in free agency, maybe not going after the huge names but going after solid vets that can play now.

Want to make a huge splash to the players? Trade away Mario and Cushing.

One last prediction I have, Pollard is not resigned

[Roy P]

As for you guys bitching about position coaches, why don't we wait to see who they hire and also wait to see which players they acquire to install the new defense.

Sounds to me like they will be active in free agency, maybe not going after the huge names but going after solid vets that can play now.

Want to make a huge splash to the players? Trade away Mario and Cushing.

One last prediction I have, Pollard is not resigned

I am not 'bitching' about position coaches. I'd like to interview some position coaches for the DC job. The Steelers & Patriots have guys that would meet the requirements of the Rooney Rule and would also bring some ideas to the table. It's nice to get some different opinions on how somebody might best utilize our talent and hearing some philosophical points. I would want to talk to Rob Ryan and Mike Nolan as soon as those situations settle, the new coaches may or may not retain their services. Winston Moss, Darren Perry, Pepper Johnson, John Mitchell, Keith Butler, along with Ryan & Nolan are all guys I'd like to pick their brain.

Free Agency should be used to fortify weak areas on the roster. So, a S, CB, NT should be on the list.

Maybe moving a Cushing, Williams, Pollard, Okoye, Antonio Smith wouldn't be a bad idea if there could be some return. Cushing plays like a mortal without his Performance Enhancers. Okoye has essentially been a bust that we have continued to wait to develop. I'm not sure A. Smith would be a good 3/4 DE or not. There really wasn't much 'good' happening this season defensively, so I'm very open to blowing the whole damn thing up. Fire Bill Kollar too while we're at it.

[cadams]

exactly, my problem is that they don't interview a number of candidates and listen to all the opintion and insight. F-, i hate this sh-t. i need a drink

[HPF Bob]

Just as a point of order, the Rooney Rule only applies to head coaches, not the assistants. Since we've already determined who the head coach is, the Rooney Rule isn't applicable.

[barrett]

Man. Not only would any TE on any NFL roster torch an OLB tandem of Barwin and Mark Anderson, Demeco and Cushing are particularly unsuited to be ILBs in a 3-4. And I won't even bother telling you that Mario is a prototypical 4-3 DE and has no real place in a 3-4 because I know you already know that. There is literally no safety on the roster who can cover a Left Tackle and you want Barwin and Anderson at OLB? Wow. Peyton manning would redefine the word 'abuse.'

At least you're not echoing Wade's dad who said that he'd try Amobi at OLB.

Everywhere I turn it's the lunatics running the asylum.

Look, I'd be delighted to have a defense that looks like New England's, a hybrid that shifts (moving quickly I initially typed 'shits' - we already have a defense that does that...) and morphs unpredictably in response to down, distance, offensive personnel, etc. I wouldn't mind moving Mario around and showing different looks and confusing the hell out of QBs all over the league. The problem is relatively speaking Belichick is a Harvard PhD and the goons running the Texans are paste-eating, finger-painting Aggies. Actually, in certain instances this is literally true.

If we can run a 34/43 hibrid, then I am all for it. Watch a New England game and they are almost never lined up in a straight 3-4. Especially on 3rd down. You can run a 3-4 but still line up Mario wide on passing downs. You can do pretty much anything you want with either defense and even more with a combination of the two. When cleveland stymied NE this year, they did it with 1 down lineman and an amoeba of other guys standing up near the LOS and then randomly rushing or dropping.

But a DC needs to get creative to do this. I have no idea whether Wade is capable of this or not. His cowboys (when they tried) ran a great but very traditional 3-4. Of course, they had a decade of assembling 3-4 personnell and Demarcus Ware on the field. There is little reason to morph out of the 3-4 when that's the case. I have heard on here that Wade has coached a 4-3 defense in the past. So maybe he can be that guy.

But if he is coming to run a 4-3 with our personnell I take a huge pass. Someone needs to get creative to win with this group. So why hire a guy and ask him to do what he's 2nd best at.

If he is coming to run a straight 3-4 I'll take another huge pass. We aren't suited for it as an every down defense. It decreases the value of Mario and Demeco in a big way. I actually think Cushing may flourish as a standing rush OLB, and smith will fit well, but the rest of the front 7 is ill used in that situation.

I hope our guys are thinking these same things, but I fear Bob McNair is completely misreading his fan base and thinking he can sell good old days and Texas pride in a Wade Phillips package.

[chuck]

Wade Phillips a failure? Yes, as head coach.

As a defensive coordinator? He's proven to be really, really good.

This is what everyone says, isn't it? It's not true. At least it's not borne out by the facts.

The last time he could be said to have had a very, very good defense as a DC was in Atlanta in 2002. The Falcons' defense the following year was a disaster. His three years in San Diego produced middle of the pack to slightly better defenses. They won games in shootouts with a high flying offense. They beat Cincy his last year 49-41 if I recall correctly. But the most certainly did not have a dominating, Ravens or Steelers style defense. That is what I want, and we are not going to have it. Ever.

And barrett, yes, that is precisely what I am saying. To make the most of the "talent" the team has on defense requires creativity. Beginning with red, white and blue uniforms I have not seen one ounce of creativity out of this franchise. Ever.

[dalemurphy]

Bob McNair loves to oogle the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers franchise hoping to model the Texans after them. He has been attempting to mimick the stability of those organizations for a decade now. I respect that effort. However, those organizations didn’t just decide to be stable and then succeed with the people and philosophy that happened to be in place at the time. It took years and years of searching for the right combination of coaches, scouts, and front office personnel before everything fell in place for them. For Pittsburgh, their dark years were primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. Since Chuck Knoll arrived, they have had a steady and remarkable run. But, plenty of growing pains and lessons were learned by the Rooneys up to that point. Bob Kraft purchased the New England patriots in 1994. While they had some early success, it took seven years and some good fortune (Bledsoe injury, insane officiating, and an odd family squabble between Parcells and Belichek) before they found their footing. If Kraft would have decided simply to be a stable organization during Pete Carroll’s tenure, would they be the exemplary franchise they are now? Smart money would say “no”. Now, having said that, it is interesting to note that Pete Carroll never had a losing season in his three years in New England. Then, when he was replaced with Belichek after his poorest season (8-8), Belichek led the Pats to a 5-11 year. Then the tide turned.

I am not suggesting that, if McNair wants similar success, he should fire Kubiak. I’m generally glad that he didn’t. What does bother me is a growing concern that Bob McNair is so focused on emulating the winning organizations that he is missing the larger picture. The NFL is not a paint-by-numbers endeavor. As I am sure Bob McNair understands most of the time, any organization with hundreds of variables (people) is a complex orchestration. Yet, what I fear is happening is that McNair is working from a two dimensional checklist of a few simplistic observations he has made regarding the Patriots and the Steelers:

1. Organizational stability (check)

2. Seldom paying premium for FAs (check)

3. As an owner, don’t get too involved (check)

and now, this new one:

4. 3-4 defense (check?)

I certainly hope his thinking is not this simplistic. However, with the Wade Phillips hiring imminent even though he has not even interviewed yet, one has to wonder. After all, not only has Wade not interviewed, but I don’t think a single candidate has interviewed (saying hello to Marvin Lewis on the telephone does not qualify). I know that McNair also likes Wade because he has been a successful DC and has had 30 years of experience. Still, though, those are simply labels (like a 3-4 defense is) and don’t speak to the how/why Wade is the best choice to run the Texans’ defense in 2011 under Gary Kubiak and with this scouting department bringing him talent and with Rick Smith running football operations (sort of). Perhaps Wade is the best choice. However, how could McNair/Kubiak/Smith possibly have any idea of that if they haven’t been through an exhaustive process, including interviewing other candidates… or, just sitting down and speaking to Wade for 30 minutes. All that being said, I’m still excited about the Wade hire. Perhaps my expectations have simply been muted the past decade watching the way this organization attempts to run itself.

If Bob McNair really wants his football team modeled after the Patriots and Steelers, this is what is sorely missing from his checklist: job clarity for every single member of the organization and football team. Who’s in charge of decisions around there? Heck, if you listened to Kube’s presser on Monday, it is clear that he’s not even sure. When asked about the defensive coaching search, his response was “Bob has his list. Rick has his list, and I’ll start working on mine”. When he was pressed by Barry Warner regarding who will actually make the final decison, he hemmed and hawed for awhile before laboring to say that “Bob assured me that I will always be comfortable with the coaches on my staff”. Okay, I’m not sure what that means. According to Jerome Solomon, during the last DC search, Rick Smith urged Kubiak to interview multiple people for the job but Kubiak declined. It is also widely believed that Kubiak makes all the calls regarding player personnel on offense but leaves all those decisions regarding the defense to Rick Smith…. that’s odd as well. As alarming as it may be that fans do not know/understand the hierarchy of the organization, what is truly disconcerting is that I don’t think even the Texans know… not just the players but the coaches and even the three top guys (McNair, Smith, Kubiak). This confusion and lack of role definition translates on the field as well and it is this issue, more than any other, that separate the Texans from teams like New England and Pittsburgh.

I don’t have the heart to revive all the old stories of the defensive players under Rick Smith and Frank Bush. If it wasn’t so sad, though, it would be comical to listen to them answer questions about what the defensive philosophy is and what their role is. I remember an interview with Demeco in 2008. Demeco was asked about Richard Smith’s defensive philosophy and Demeco was left grasping at air. Really, really not good considering Demeco is the QB of the defense, a team leader, and a very bright football player. This is the problem. Those guys on defense, particularly, are out there with 11 different ideas of what the defense is about. More than that, they probably have 4 competing thoughts regarding their individual role on that defense. And, I would not be surprised if the DC, the head coach, and the position coach are all contributing to the confusion by feeding them incongruous information. I don’t think this sort of confusion and identity crisis is the intended product of stability.

Meanwhile, examine the Patriots. I’m willing to bet that you could walk up to any of the 53 players on the Pats roster, ask them the team philosophy and their specific role on the team, and you would immediately receive a confident and detailed answer. Breaking that down even further, I would bet each player has a crystal clear understanding of his role for a particular game (and that the role may change week to week). However, ask a Texan defensive player that and you won’t get more than “make plays”. Why? is it because the Texans are more protective of information? no. Simply put, I don’t think the player would know with confidence anything more than that. I believe that, until this changes, the organization is going to be floundering in mediocrity.

All is not lost, though. I think McNair is an intelligent and committed man that is learning from his failures. I also have a lot of faith in Gary Kubiak’s ability to change and grow as a football coach. Finally, I think that Wade Phillips will bring more definition and order to the Texans’ defense. I’m encouraged that the Texans only retained one defensive assistant coach, Bill Kollar (who has worked with Wade in the past). If Wade is able to assemble a staff of his guys, then that will be another step into developing continuity. The defense can build an identity, and the coaches will be better able to define the job/role of each player on the defense.

Texans Bull Blog (http://www.texansbullblog.com/england-answers-pathetic-texans-defense/featured-articles/)

[Roy P]

Just as a point of order, the Rooney Rule only applies to head coaches, not the assistants. Since we've already determined who the head coach is, the Rooney Rule isn't applicable.

Ah...well, I'd still like to talk to these guys. I wasn't seeking them out because they were Black, I wanted to interview them because they have been successful with the type of defense I'd like to run. They just so happened to be minorities, so I thought I was getting two birds with one stone. Keith Butler is Whiter than I am, by the way.

As for the Hybrid 3/4 4/3, I think it can be done and should be done. Peyton Manning had his worst games against 3/4 teams (Cowboys, Chargers, Patriots, Steelers). It is more difficult to determine who is and isn't rushing the passer. I'd rather have Mark Anderson on the field blitzing instead of Zach Diles attempting to cover Dallas Clark.

[dalemurphy]

Man. Not only would any TE on any NFL roster torch an OLB tandem of Barwin and Mark Anderson, Demeco and Cushing are particularly unsuited to be ILBs in a 3-4. And I won't even bother telling you that Mario is a prototypical 4-3 DE and has no real place in a 3-4 because I know you already know that. There is literally no safety on the roster who can cover a Left Tackle and you want Barwin and Anderson at OLB? Wow. Peyton manning would redefine the word 'abuse.'

At least you're not echoing Wade's dad who said that he'd try Amobi at OLB.

Everywhere I turn it's the lunatics running the asylum.

Look, I'd be delighted to have a defense that looks like New England's, a hybrid that shifts (moving quickly I initially typed 'shits' - we already have a defense that does that...) and morphs unpredictably in response to down, distance, offensive personnel, etc. I wouldn't mind moving Mario around and showing different looks and confusing the hell out of QBs all over the league. The problem is relatively speaking Belichick is a Harvard PhD and the goons running the Texans are paste-eating, finger-painting Aggies. Actually, in certain instances this is literally true.

Harsh words... I wish I agreed with less of them.

[barrett]

If Bob McNair really wants his football team modeled after the Patriots and Steelers, this is what is sorely missing from his checklist: job clarity for every single member of the organization and football team. Who’s in charge of decisions around there? Heck, if you listened to Kube’s presser on Monday, it is clear that he’s not even sure. When asked about the defensive coaching search, his response was “Bob has his list. Rick has his list, and I’ll start working on mine”. When he was pressed by Barry Warner regarding who will actually make the final decison, he hemmed and hawed for awhile before laboring to say that “Bob assured me that I will always be comfortable with the coaches on my staff”. Okay, I’m not sure what that means. According to Jerome Solomon, during the last DC search, Rick Smith urged Kubiak to interview multiple people for the job but Kubiak declined. It is also widely believed that Kubiak makes all the calls regarding player personnel on offense but leaves all those decisions regarding the defense to Rick Smith…. that’s odd as well. As alarming as it may be that fans do not know/understand the hierarchy of the organization, what is truly disconcerting is that I don’t think even the Texans know… not just the players but the coaches and even the three top guys (McNair, Smith, Kubiak). This confusion and lack of role definition translates on the field as well and it is this issue, more than any other, that separate the Texans from teams like New England and Pittsburgh.


Texans Bull Blog (http://www.texansbullblog.com/england-answers-pathetic-texans-defense/featured-articles/)

There is no organized power structure in New England other than Bill Bellachik has the power. They have no clearly defined roles. This year they didn't even bother to name offensive or defensive coordinators. They have rarely had a GM and usually just have a personnell man that works with Bellachik in an undefined relationship and balance of power. And they have had more turnover in the front office and coaching ranks than any NFL team.

They win based on the three constants in all of those things...Bill Bellachik, Tom Brady, and their Offensive Line. Everything/Everybody else is a movable/expendable part. Well defined roles has little to do with it.

[dalemurphy]

There is no organized power structure in New England other than Bill Bellachik has the power. They have no clearly defined roles. This year they didn't even bother to name offensive or defensive coordinators. They have rarely had a GM and usually just have a personnell man that works with Bellachik in an undefined relationship and balance of power. And they have had more turnover in the front office and coaching ranks than any NFL team.

They win based on the three constants in all of those things...Bill Bellachik, Tom Brady, and their Offensive Line. Everything/Everybody else is a movable/expendable part. Well defined roles has little to do with it.

Maybe we are about to argue semantics, but the fact that you are so confident of how they operate/why they are successful drives home my point.

Bill is in charge of all. Tom Brady is clearly the single leader of the team...etc...

More than schematics (and I've heard this from a number of respected football people), Bill's gift is his ability to communicate specific, defined roles to each player for a given game plan. One week, player X will be given a certain set of duties and will clearly understand and perform them on the field, and the following week, he will have a different set of responsibilities but still have comprehension of those and a willingness to fulfill them.

[Roy P]

Bill is in charge of all. Tom Brady is clearly the single leader of the team...etc...

Bill's gift is his ability to communicate specific, defined roles to each player for a given game plan.

Bill has unique talents to be able to get the most out of his players. His attention to detail is remarkable. He also has the ability to utilize a player's strengths. Defining roles and communicating expectations to players is one of the reasons they respect him so much.

Who could/would cut Randy Moss and expect the team to get better? Who takes Deion Branch and makes him look like a Pro-Bowler? Places WR Troy Brown at CB and passes TD passes to LB Mike Vrabel? Takes a cast-off short white guy and uses him as a weapon (Woodhead, Edleman, Welker). Plays defense with a bunch of rookies and simply has his offense score more points than they allow.

Many have attempted to grab some of the magic by taking coaches associated with him. Crennel, Weiss, McDaniels, Mangini, et. al only to find out that they may have been around greatness, but it didn't rub off.

Now, I wonder what happened between Cleveland and New England. Brady is great, but he won with Cassell too. If we could find the next coach like him, then stability would follow. However, Hall-of-Fame coaches don't just grow on trees.

[barrett]

Maybe we are about to argue semantics, but the fact that you are so confident of how they operate/why they are successful drives home my point.

Bill is in charge of all. Tom Brady is clearly the single leader of the team...etc...

More than schematics (and I've heard this from a number of respected football people), Bill's gift is his ability to communicate specific, defined roles to each player for a given game plan. One week, player X will be given a certain set of duties and will clearly understand and perform them on the field, and the following week, he will have a different set of responsibilities but still have comprehension of those and a willingness to fulfill them.

Having a genius be a genius is not a great organizational power structure unless you have a genius. Saying the biggest difference between us and the patriots is well defined roles is false. Bill Bellachik is the difference. We could put Kubiak firmly in charge with the identical role to Bellachik and give everyone else hazy and ever shifting roles like the patriots do. We could do all of this exactly like them and fail. The reason is that what they do only works because he is Bill Bellachik. If you try to act like him without being him you destroy franchises (see Mcdaniels, Josh).

Now if you are saying that New England is good because Bill Bellachik is in charge and we are bad because Gary Kubiak is in charge, you could have saved about 2000 words in doing so. If you really think they are good and we are bad because of the defining of roles, then you are way overcomplicating things.

[WMH]

Now, I wonder what happened between Cleveland and New England. Brady is great, but he won with Cassell too. If we could find the next coach like him, then stability would follow. However, Hall-of-Fame coaches don't just grow on trees.

That is a GREAT question, and aside from Brady, I have never been able to put my finger on it......The guy just has some karma, deal with the devil, or something..... Sometimes, I think he makes moves just show people how damn smart/good he is. REALLY pisses me off.......

Back to Wade, he has some successful experience, been around the block a time or twelve, so I guess he is a good option, but it sure seems like he is the only option. Aside from a "reported" (IE - Texans brass to McClain - Psst - tell everyone I called Marvin) check in with Lewis, it seems like this is/will be a done deal for an search even gets going.

[Roy P]

I think that is what pisses me off about the whole situation with this Wade Phillips scenario. Bum gets invited to practice on Wed to endorse Kubes and then we seem to have a new DC before an interview ever takes place. The PR move makes it seem so trite. Getting Wade after a few guys have had a shot at an interview would just make me feel better. Remember when they intervied Scott Linehan and Cam Cameron for the HC job before deciding upon Kubiak? Sort of reminds me of the situation when we brought in Dan Reeves to consult on how much better off we would be if we kept David Carr around and Casserly.

I'd be much happier if I were able to believe that the fix isn't already in.

[nunusguy]

Sounds to me like they will be active in free agency, maybe not going after the huge names but going after solid vets that can play now.

Want to make a huge splash to the players? Trade away Mario and Cushing.

One last prediction I have, Pollard is not resigned
I agree about FA, this will likely be their most active offseason in FA by far.
But I think McNair might actually spend some big bucks on a high-profile defensive name because he needs to placate a lot of pissed-off fans unhappy about his retention of Kubiak for atleast another season. If there's a big-time corner or edge-rusher in FA this year, look for Big Bob to dig deep into his jeans.
And if they do go 3-4 both Mario & Cushing, though certainly capable of playing in the 3-4, are both best suited for the 4-3 IMO. I do wonder how marketable Cushing might be because of his now establshed inclination to "over train", and dunno how much uncertainty there might be about Marios full recover from his sports hernia ?
But to your list of vets that might be released, I say add both OD & Jacobey to Pollards name.

[Warren]

That is a GREAT question, and aside from Brady, I have never been able to put my finger on it......The guy just has some karma, deal with the devil, or something..... Sometimes, I think he makes moves just show people how damn smart/good he is. REALLY pisses me off.......

Back to Wade, he has some successful experience, been around the block a time or twelve, so I guess he is a good option, but it sure seems like he is the only option. Aside from a "reported" (IE - Texans brass to McClain - Psst - tell everyone I called Marvin) check in with Lewis, it seems like this is/will be a done deal for an search even gets going.It looks like it's officially (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7367380.html) Wade. I agree that he's not a bad hire, but the process left me very unimpressed. It didn't exactly appear to be a painstaking search in which every possible option was investigated.

I've been wondering about the Marvin Lewis thing -- did his contract expire immediately at the end of Bengals' season? Because if it expires later, like at the end of the NFL League Year (February 28), the Texans committed tampering unless they had the Bengals' permission to talk to him.

On Belichick, I think he was better in Cleveland than he gets credit for -- he took over a team that was 3-13 and went 6-10, 7-9, 7-9, 11-5, then collapsed to 5-11 (losing 7 of their last 8) amid the circus that became of their 1995 season when Art Modell announced the move to Baltimore. Making unpopular moves like getting rid of hometown icon Bernie Kosar and being generally horrible with the media didn't help his reputation. I also think in the five years between head coaching jobs he must've taken an honest look at his time with the Browns and learned from his mistakes.

[nunusguy]

Coach Gary Kubiak said he's excited to switch to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

Kubiak hired Phillips on Wednesday to replace Frank Bush, who was one of four defensive coaches fired on Monday.

"Wade feels confident about running a 3-4, and I'm excited about that," Kubiak said. "Wade said he feels good about the talent we have and how he'll use the players. He said (defensive end) Mario (Williams) has to be one of our most successful players and that it's up to him to put Mario in position to do that.

"Wade talked about some things he did with Bruce Smith in Buffalo compared to what he'll do with Mario, and I like what I hear."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7367380.html
**
They are definitely going 3-4 under Phillips. Fantastic !

[painekiller]

"Wade talked about some things he did with Bruce Smith in Buffalo compared to what he'll do with Mario, and I like what I hear."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7367380.html
**
They are definitely going 3-4 under Phillips. Fantastic !

This is from the chron.com (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7367380.html)


Phillips' defenses
Just once in Wade Phillips’ long NFL tenure has he failed to improve a defense after taking over as either the head coach or defensive coordinator. Ironically, the only time it didn’t happen was when he joined defensive mastermind Buddy Ryan’s staff in Philadelphia. Also, that was also the only time Phillips coached a 4-3 alignment instead of his trademark 3-4.

Team Year Record Def. rank Def. set
PA YA
Cowboys 2006 9-7* 20 13 3-4
Cowboys** 2007 13-3* 13 9 3-4

Chargers 2003 4-12 31 27 4-3
Chargers 2004 12-4* 11 18 3-4

Falcons 2001 7-9 24 30 4-3
Falcons 2002 9-6-1* 8 19 3-4

Bills 1994 7-9 22 17 3-4
Bills 1995 10-6* 12 13 3-4

Broncos 1988 8-8 20 22 3-4
Broncos 1989 11-5* 1 3 3-4

Eagles 1985 7-9 10 10 4-3
Eagles 1986 5-10-1 12 17 4-3

Saints 1980 1-15 28 28 4-3
Saints 1981 4-12 24 11 3-4
* - made playoffs
** - Phillips was head coach

I like the fact that he thinks he can help Mario become a bigger force, and I agree, if Mario will buy into Wade's defense.

[coloradodude]

That said, I still don't like the fact that neither one displays much toughness which is why their teams underachieve, particularly in clutch situations.




I've let some of you convince me of things I disagreed with over the years and now it's time to get tunnel vision.

We're gonna be just fine. We only need 3 to 10 players to fit the new 3-4 scheme...again. And yes, we should move Mario to ILB and force him to get involved in the run defense.


Seriously, somebody needs to give Mario about 5 seasons of film from the Buffalo Bills so he can watch and absorb Bruce Smith get after the QB from the 3-4 as an end.

[cland]

...On Belichick, I think he was better in Cleveland than he gets credit for -- he took over a team that was 3-13 and went 6-10, 7-9, 7-9, 11-5, then collapsed to 5-11 (losing 7 of their last 8) amid the circus that became of their 1995 season when Art Modell announced the move to Baltimore. Making unpopular moves like getting rid of hometown icon Bernie Kosar and being generally horrible with the media didn't help his reputation. I also think in the five years between head coaching jobs he must've taken an honest look at his time with the Browns and learned from his mistakes.

Not to be a Kubiak apologist... but if I could recraft the quote: he took over a team that was 2-14 and went 6-10, 8-8, 8-8, 9-7, then collapsed to 6-10... ...prior to becoming the widely considered best coach in the NFL. Not saying this will happen with Mr. K, but the truth is that nobody knows.

[TheMatrix31]

This is what everyone says, isn't it? It's not true. At least it's not borne out by the facts.

The last time he could be said to have had a very, very good defense as a DC was in Atlanta in 2002. The Falcons' defense the following year was a disaster. His three years in San Diego produced middle of the pack to slightly better defenses. They won games in shootouts with a high flying offense. They beat Cincy his last year 49-41 if I recall correctly. But the most certainly did not have a dominating, Ravens or Steelers style defense. That is what I want, and we are not going to have it. Ever.



If everyone could have that defense, everyone would have it.

Wade Phillips was a Top 2 defensive coordinator available. The other available (interestingly enoguh the coach of the Ravens defense in 2000) re-upped.

We don't need a dominating defense. We need a defense that will not put pressure on our offense to score seven points EVERY trip down. We need a defense that won't allow chunks of yardage every single time they're on the field.

I don't know, man. I'm just not sure what people are expecting. Given the circumstances, Wade Phillips is a great hire.

[painekiller]

Interesting article on the 3-4 defense from the NY times (http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/guide-to-n-f-l-defenses-part-4-the-3-4-front/)

Bum Phillips and the 1-gap 3-4

To hear Bum Phillips tell it, developing his version of the 3-4 defense wasn’t rocket science.

“Coaching is pretty simple really. If you don’t got something, find something you do got. Really, we didn’t have but one [defensive lineman] – [Hall of Famer] Elvin [Bethea] – until we got Curley [Culp] in the middle of that season. Then we had two. What we did have was four real good linebackers, so all I done was find a way to get our best players on the field.”

Like the Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 scheme that was taking hold in New England at the same time, Phillips was looking to contain the run and create mismatches in pass rush. Though Phillips based his scheme on the same concepts that the New England coaches did, he favored a more attacking style. He used a number of one-gap techniques in his front seven, stunting and slanting his linemen to cause pressure and using an OLB – “Dr. Doom” Robert Brazile, who was LT before Lawrence Taylor came into the league – frequently as a fourth pass rusher. In many ways, Phillips’s scheme was a 4-3 with four players in a two-point stance.

That attacking style of play has stood the test of time better than the read-and-react style for much the same reason that the 4-3 with an under or over shift has. It allows players to attack the offense, specifically by disguising the defense’s fourth (and fifth or sixth) pass rusher and the coverage behind. In fact, there are a lot of under front concepts in the Phillips 3-4.

In contrast to the true 2-gap 3-4, there’s no clear “bubble” in a 1-gap front. The strongside end slides down in the guard-tackle gap and the nose tackle slants to the weakside center-guard gap. The weakside end may or may not be head-up on the tackle, sometimes aligning in a 5-technique. Moving the defensive lineman just a few inches changes the philosophy entirely. The diagram above shows an under-shifted 3-4, but over-shifted 3-4 fronts are also common.

By comparing the two 3-4 diagrams, it’s easy to see how the mind-set of the defensive linemen differs between the two flavors of 3-4. It’s clear that the two inside linebackers can be, if the linemen are disruptive at all, better protected from the blocks of interior linemen. You can see the lines of attack for a delayed ILB blitz or how each OLB might get a jump by shifting one defensive end to the outside of an offensive tackle.

The under-shifted 3-4 front, with or without a 2-gap end, is just one of many potential variations a coordinator may align for his front seven. In fact, a coach influenced by both flavors of the 3-4 might be tempted to meld both concepts with traditional 4-3 ideas and create a monster playbook with more than 50 fronts. And pull it off with amazing success.

Read the whole article to understand the concepts and the ultimate defense like New England runs.

[Roy P]

Interesting article

Read the whole article to understand the concepts and the ultimate defense like New England runs.

Thanks...that was awesome.

Doing a little dot-connecting, I am wondering about the LB and Secondary Coaches that Wade may want. Greg Manusky the D.C. of SF has LB experience in a 3-4, Reggie Herring is the LB coach in Dallas, and Cris Dishman is the Asst. Secondary Coach in S.D. Then, there is Todd Bowles of Miami, but I'm not sure if he'll be available...he may get a H.C. gig someplace or a D.C. job.

[painekiller]

Thanks...that was awesome.

Doing a little dot-connecting, I am wondering about the LB and Secondary Coaches that Wade may want. Greg Manusky the D.C. of SF has LB experience in a 3-4, Reggie Herring is the LB coach in Dallas, and Cris Dishman is the Asst. Secondary Coach in S.D. Then, there is Todd Bowles of Miami, but I'm not sure if he'll be available...he may get a H.C. gig someplace or a D.C. job.

Well most likely a few of his Dallas guys would follow him, and I have Dishman on my short list for the DB coach.

[WMH]

Looks like Bob opened the wallet a bit to make this happen.....Sure hope it works.

From ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5992848&utm_source=bleacherreport.com


A source told ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton that Phillips' deal is worth $2.1 million over three years. The contract makes Phillips the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL.

[nunusguy]

A source told ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton that Phillips' deal is worth $2.1 million over three years. The contract makes Phillips the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL.
Given the urgency to fix our D, I appreciate McNair shelling out the big-bucks for his new DC.

[NBT]

The Good 'Ol Boy concept is certainly alive and well with the Texans.

[Warren]

Not to be a Kubiak apologist... but if I could recraft the quote: ...prior to becoming the widely considered best coach in the NFL. Not saying this will happen with Mr. K, but the truth is that nobody knows.There's a couple key differences, though:

In Year 3, the Browns made the playoffs and won a playoff game. The Texans didn't make the playoffs.
In Year 4, the Browns were hit with the fallout from the in-season announcement of the franchise's move to Baltimore. The Texans didn't have to deal with any distraction even close to that scale.

[Nconroe]

There's a couple key differences, though:

In Year 3, the Browns made the playoffs and won a playoff game. The Texans didn't make the playoffs.
In Year 4, the Browns were hit with the fallout from the in-season announcement of the franchise's move to Baltimore. The Texans didn't have to deal with any distraction even close to that scale.


ok, just to be correct, above is off by a year, use year 4,5 not 3,4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Belichick

year 1 6-10 (same)
year 2 7-9 vs 8-8
and 3 7-9 vs 8-8
year 4 11-5 vs 9-7 and to playoffs
year 5 5-11 vs 6-10
whatever, just being correct maybe
so if scoring overall 36-44 vs 37-43,
so Kubes one game better on 5 years on his first coaching assignment, likely would be more happy since had the 11-5 and one playoff appearance

[Nconroe]

main thing, would like to welcome Wade Phillips as a coach to Houston, look forward to him and players helping Texans and Houston have a great defense next year and many years to come.

[Nconroe]

ok, just to be correct, above is off by a year, use year 4,5 not 3,4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Belichick

year 1 6-10 (same)
year 2 7-9 vs 8-8
and 3 7-9 vs 8-8
year 4 11-5 vs 9-7 and to playoffs
year 5 5-11 vs 6-10
whatever, just being correct maybe
so if scoring overall 36-44 vs 37-43,
so Kubes one game better on 5 years on his first coaching assignment, likely would be more happy since had the 11-5 and one playoff appearance

And Bellichick turned out pretty good, we gotta hope Kubiac does similar soon, hopefully hiring Wade will help get us there.

[Arky]

I was looking at Del Rio's stats the other day:

2003 JAC 5 - 11
2004 JAC 9 - 7
2005 JAC 12 - 4, playoffs 0-1
2006 JAC 8 - 8
2007 JAC 11 - 5, playoffs 1-1
2008 JAC 5 - 11
2009 JAC 7 - 9
2010 JAC 8 - 8

Totals = 65 - 63

He's got stats similar to Kubes (average/below average) except for the obvious spikes where he went to the playoffs - twice in 8 years. According to the latest, he needs another spike really quick or he will be gone after 2011. I'd say Kubes needs a spike pretty dang quick, himself. :p

Fisher, Kubes, Del Rio..... the AFC South hangs on to their coaches...

[painekiller]

I'm with Nconroe, welcome back Wade. Glad to see you finally made it back home.

On a side note, has anyone caught what Wade is doing later this month? Coaching the East-West Shrine Game. He will have hands on, in the meeting room, and on the field time with roughly 50 of the 2nd tier prospects in this years draft.

That is invaluable when it come to draft time.

I know the top guys go to the Senior Bowl, but Wade will have time with our scouts and be able to have a first hand look at the talent.

Nice gig.

Here is the current list of players for the game, doesn't look complete nor divided up by teams just yet. (bolded players I have interest in seeing play in this game)


Name Pos. College
Mario Butler DC Ga. Institute of Technology
Adam Grant OT University of Arizona
Akeem Dent IB University of Georgia
Alex Linnenkohl OC Oregon State University
Allen Pierre DE University of Nebraska
Andrew Jackson OG Fresno State
Anthony Parker WO University of Calgary
Anthony Sherman FB University of Connecticut
Armon Binns WO University of Cincinnati
Ben Jacobs IB Fresno State
Brandon Bair DT University of Oregon
Brian Lainhart FS Kent State
Brian Rolle OB Ohio State University
Bruce Miller IB University of Central Florida
Bryant Browning OG Ohio State University
Caleb Schlauderaff OG University of Utah
Cecil Shorts WO University of Mt. Union
Charles Gantt TE Michigan State
Chris Carter OB Fresno State
Chrs Conte FS University of Calfornia
Da'rel Scott OH University of Maryland
Darrin Walls DC University of Notre Dame
David Arkin OG Missouri State
David Carter DT UCLA
David Sims SS Iowa State
Delone Carter OH Syracuse University
Demarcus Van Dyke DC University of Miami-FL
Dontay Moch OB University of Nevada
Doug Hogue OB Syracuse University
Eric Gordon SS Michigan State
Evan Royster OH Penn State University
Graig Cooper OH/PR/KR University of Miami-FL
Gregory Lloyd IB University of Connecticut
Greg Smith TE/HB/LS University of Texas-Austin
Ian William NT/DT University of Notre Dame


Name Pos. College
Jah Reid OT/OG University of Central Florida
Jeron Johnson SS Boise State
Jerrod Johnson QB Texas A & M
Johnathan Nelson SS University of Oklahoma
Joshua McNary OB Army
Justin Rogers DC University of Richmond
Justin Taplin-Ross FS University of Utah
Karl Klug DE University of Iowa
Kyle Adams TE Purdue University
Kyle Hix QT University of Texas-Austin
Lawrence Wilson IB University of Connecticut
Lester Jean WO Florida Atlantic University
Martin Parker DT University of Richmond
Marvin Austin DT University of North Carolina
Matthew O'Donnell OT Queen's University
Michael Mohamed IB University of California
Nate Williams SS University of Washington
Orie Lemon IB Oklahoma State University
Patrick Devlin QB University of Delaware
Ricky Dobbs QB U.S. Naval Academy
Ryan Bartholomew OC Syracuse University
Ryan Whalen WO Stanford University
Ryan Winterswyk DE Boise State Univerity
Scott Lutrus IB University of Connecticut
Scott Tolzien QB University of Wisconsin
Shiloh Keo SS University of Idaho
Terrance Turner WO Indiana University
Terrell McClain DT University of South Florida
Terrence Toliver WO Louisiana State University
Tyrod Taylor QB Virginia Tech
Vai Taua OH University of Nevada
William Rackley OG/C Lehigh University
Winston Venable OB Boise State University
Zachary Hurd OG University of Connecticut
Zachary Williams OG Washington State

[Foo'ball Fool]

Interesting article on the 3-4 defense from the NY times (http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/guide-to-n-f-l-defenses-part-4-the-3-4-front/)



Read the whole article to understand the concepts and the ultimate defense like New England runs.

PK, Thanks for the link here. I learned a lot from that series. Most anybody that is not directly involved in the game, like me, will learn something if they read it. For those interested, I recommend reading all 7 sections. I couldn't find the last 3 sections from the link above, so I Googled "guide to NFL defenses", opened part 7, and used the links from within the Times blog.

[Joshua]

If you want a blast from the past, here is the thread from 2 years ago on the Texans hiring Bush as the DC -

http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367

Although I'm usually happy to toot my own horn, it actually depressed me to go back and read this (particularly my reservations). What depresses me even more is that the Texans appear to be conducting themselves in essentially the same manner still. Although Wade clearly has the superior resume and has some tangible results which can be pointed to, once again I see a coach and front office with absolutely no experience, much less success, on defense making up their mind before even remotely interviewing or evaluating all potential candidates. The continual failure to exercise even a little due diligence astounds me.

[Nconroe]

Well, from what I understand, they may atleast use a little methodology for picking new LB and DB coaches. Appararently Wade will get to choose a few who he thinks will be good, they will be called for interviews, then all get to agree on who those coaches are.

Similarly with defensive players, apparently Wade will have a strong part in the decisions who to get for defense starting now.

But, it was interesting reading the concerns from a couple years ago and seeing how some of those repeated this time.

And it should be great to have Wade seeing so many potential draft picks first hand at the Senior bowl.

Perhaps Wade will be a big help in our analysis of who to draft and get in FA this year, time will tell.

[cadams]

If you want a blast from the past, here is the thread from 2 years ago on the Texans hiring Bush as the DC -

http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367

Although I'm usually happy to toot my own horn, it actually depressed me to go back and read this (particularly my reservations). What depresses me even more is that the Texans appear to be conducting themselves in essentially the same manner still. Although Wade clearly has the superior resume and has some tangible results which can be pointed to, once again I see a coach and front office with absolutely no experience, much less success, on defense making up their mind before even remotely interviewing or evaluating all potential candidates. The continual failure to exercise even a little due diligence astounds me.

reading that sting makes me a little sick to my stomach.

[cadams]

Well, from what I understand, they may atleast use a little methodology for picking new LB and DB coaches. Appararently Wade will get to choose a few who he thinks will be good, they will be called for interviews, then all get to agree on who those coaches are.

Similarly with defensive players, apparently Wade will have a strong part in the decisions who to get for defense starting now.

But, it was interesting reading the concerns from a couple years ago and seeing how some of those repeated this time.

And it should be great to have Wade seeing so many potential draft picks first hand at the Senior bowl.

Perhaps Wade will be a big help in our analysis of who to draft and get in FA this year, time will tell.

kubiak should have absolutely ZERO input as to who wade brings in

[NBT]

Wade should be able to pick his own defensive people. Kubiak has already shown he knows next to nothing about defensive personnel.

[barrett]

The head coach has to be involved in the hiring of all assistants. He has to have at least nominal say. Otherwise you end up like this year's Cowboys where the head coach is only in charge of one side of the ball and the other side's players and coaches know it. So you either fire Kubiak or you don't (and for whatever reason, we didn't). But you don't cut him off at the knees and let his staff and players know he has no real authority over half of the team.

He has to be involved in the hiring and he has to make the choices based on Wade's input (which I would expect him to follow).

[cadams]

The head coach has to be involved in the hiring of all assistants. He has to have at least nominal say. Otherwise you end up like this year's Cowboys where the head coach is only in charge of one side of the ball and the other side's players and coaches know it. So you either fire Kubiak or you don't (and for whatever reason, we didn't). But you don't cut him off at the knees and let his staff and players know he has no real authority over half of the team.

He has to be involved in the hiring and he has to make the choices based on Wade's input (which I would expect him to follow).

whether true or not, the perception is that mcnair rbought wade in, and kubiak really didn't have any say so. i know they tried to spin it after the season like gary was interviewing him, but i don't think that was the case. that said, i don't think letting wade having complete control over the defensive coaches he brings in would cut gary off at the knees anymore than his complete ineptitude at hiring assistance has already done

[barrett]

whether true or not, the perception is that mcnair rbought wade in, and kubiak really didn't have any say so. i know they tried to spin it after the season like gary was interviewing him, but i don't think that was the case. that said, i don't think letting wade having complete control over the defensive coaches he brings in would cut gary off at the knees anymore than his complete ineptitude at hiring assistance has already done

The way to deal with ineptitude is to fire a guy. You simply cannot have an NFL head coach who is only in charge of half his staff. And if it is the case, then you better make sure only he and Wade know that. Wade is a guy who actually seems like he wouldn't take advantage of it. Especially after Garrett tanked him this season to take his job.

[Warren]

The Texans asked the Cowboys for permission to talk to LB coach Reggie Herring and were denied. (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7373653.html)

[NBT]

The way to deal with ineptitude is to fire a guy. You simply cannot have an NFL head coach who is only in charge of half his staff. And if it is the case, then you better make sure only he and Wade know that. Wade is a guy who actually seems like he wouldn't take advantage of it. Especially after Garrett tanked him this season to take his job.

I simply disagree with this attitude. Kubiak is a good OC. It just so happens he is also the HC. He would only be like the cockroach who falls into things and messes them up (on the defensive side). So it makes perfect sense for Kubiak to just rubber stamp Wade's selections on defense.

[NBT]

Unfortunately that's not what happened with the new DB coach.

[NBT]

Wade was coaching the E-W Shrine second tier guys that week, but it still could have waited till Wade got back so it would at least appear he had a hand in the hiring. This way it is just more of Kubiak hiring his cronies. Not a good way to start off the new defense.

[painekiller]

Wade was coaching the E-W Shrine second tier guys that week, but it still could have waited till Wade got back so it would at least appear he had a hand in the hiring. This way it is just more of Kubiak hiring his cronies. Not a good way to start off the new defense.

So you think Wade had no input because he was at the Shrine Game? What his cell phone does not work? He can't get a text? Please that is conjecture on your part which I think is with zero merit.

[barrett]

Like I said, the Head Coach hires staff. Any other method leaves the HC impotent with his team. I am sure Wade had plenty of input though. And the pre-existing Shrine game duties don't mean you wait a week to hire the guy. Like PK said, you try a little of that fancy tellecommunication with Wade and then you make your hire.

[Nconroe]

This seems to be done as it should be Wade recommended, Kubiak reviewed and concurred, GM took action.

Wade had input and the hire was actually announced on the 14th of Jan, a few days before Wade left for the Shrine Game which was on the 22nd.

and from the Chron - the SF DC Manusky who coached for Wade( would that mean he is from the Phillips coaching tree) recommended Vance Joseph to Wade is how this came about- I heard all this as it was happening.

He does seem slightly inexperienced in he was only at one pro team, but he also had some coaching at College level before that.

[Roy P]

This seems to be done as it should be Wade recommended, Kubiak reviewed and concurred, GM took action.

the SF DC Manusky who coached for Wade( would that mean he is from the Phillips coaching tree) recommended Vance Joseph to Wade is how this came about.

I'm sure that Manusky told Wade that he was available and the rest was just details. It's not what you know, but who you know. They have a common language and that was good enough. Personally, I would have preferred a guy with some statistical backing that he knows how to get results. But like I said, it's not what you know...

Cris Dishman was the guy I wanted all along....but perhaps Manusky wanted to keep him for himself in San Diego.

[NBT]

I'm with RP on this. And I think the DB coach was a sucky hiring. I don't care who did it, and who did, or did not get to approve it. :(

[Nconroe]

seems a little early to be so tough on the guy. I wish him lots of success.

[NBT]

Hey, I just want this team to get to the next level. I really don't care who does what. Exelence equals good communications. That's what we have to have.

[cadams]

seems a little early to be so tough on the guy. I wish him lots of success.

if this were any other team hirign him i would agree, but given the track record (and how many times someone has said your exact quote in the past with this administration only to end up with disaster) of this team any hire that isn't a blockbuseter will be viewed with skepticism from me until they prove otherwise.

[WMH]

Interesting article on NFL.com site:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81f03d4a/article/phillips-track-record-revamping-defenses-gives-texans-hope

Couple of snipets that bring on the usual Spring time optimism (usually to be crushed at a later date.....)

"Whenever (the lockout ends), and I hope it's soon, we've got a real player-friendly system," Phillips said during the lunch hour in Houston. "That's what we pride ourselves on, and we can teach it quickly. It'll be about not making mental mistakes and teaching them techniques on how to do things, not so much what to do. We haven't always had an offseason, we've had to put it in during training camp before, so I think it's something they can learn fast. It's all technique after you learn what to do."

"It's a different language, a different way of doing things, but some have done it before, and it's all football. But if we are doing a good job with the teaching process, they'll learn it quick."

"That's what coaching is. It's not what you play, it's how you play it. ... And they have talent here. They made mistakes, and we have to cut down on those. But they played hard overall, and that's the first thing you want: Effort. We have talent. We just (have to) get people in the right place, doing the right things."


After reading all this guys quotes, you can't help but be somewhat hopeful that we will see atleast an AVERAGE D next year. RIGHT?

Please?
Pretty Please?

[nunusguy]

"I've come against these problems before," Phillips said. "I've come in where we had 3-4 personnel too, but there are a lot of different 3-4 styles. There's the (Bill) Parcells old-time 3-4 they had in Dallas, and there were a lot of differences. It's new each time. It's different each time. I don't know that this is much different than Dallas or San Diego was. It's different players, and part of that is me learning what they can and can't do.

"But when we were in Buffalo, we were playing 3-4 and all our linebackers got hurt. And so we played a 4-3 against Miami, and beat them, and then we went back to the 3-4 when we got healthy. It's the players you have and how you play. It's not 3-4 or 4-3."
**
Sounds like ole Wade feels he can play any hand he's dealt.

[chuck]

Sounds like ole Wade feels he can play any hand he's dealt.

Sounds to me like he's bluffing.

[WMH]

Sounds to me like he's bluffing.

If you have this much hatred for this team, why do you spend this much time on them? I would assume you are a grown man, so I'm not gonna tell you what to do, but, if you don't like'em, don't follow them. Pretty easy. 31 other teams you can follow.

I for one am on board. May work, may not, but either way they should be entertaining again. Just renewed our tickets, again, been there since day 1, and don't plan on going away any time soon.

[chuck]

I for one am on board. May work, may not, but either way they should be entertaining again. Just renewed our tickets, again, been there since day 1, and don't plan on going away any time soon.

I'm still wavering. I haven't renewed and haven't decided if I will.

I admire your style of fandom, I really do. I'm not being disingenuous or snide or anything like that; it must be great to be able to embrace something wholly and without regard for its obvious flaws.

Wade Phillips inherited a terrible defense with a shocking lack of talent. What the hell is he supposed to say? Is he supposed to admit the truth? Hell no, he's supposed to say Hey, we can make anything work. That's a bluff. I mean, obviously.

Look, I never wavered in my own fandom through the 2005 season. I went to all the games and renewed my tickets without a second thought. I can handle losing. I'm a lifelong fan of Houston sports so that much should be painfully obvious. What I can't handle is being misled or lied to. Drayton McLane idiotically asks his players what they have done to be a champion. What he's done to be a champion is fire the best GM in the history of Houston sports and refuse to pay draft picks. The Astros are now in the MLB wilderness and comparable to the likes of Pittsburgh and Kansas City. I have no idea how long they'll stay where they are, but I'm pretty sure Ed Wade is not the person to lead them out. Anyway, as I was saying, I don't appreciate an owner pretending to want to win while in reality he obviously doesn't care. So I don't patronize the Astros financially. I watch all the games, sure, and I'll go to a game if I'm invited. But in terms of buying tickets, no thank you.

It's not as clear to me that McNair doesn't care about winning but I'm getting there. His retaining Kubiak is problematic. He knew that a lockout was a certainty and as I long imagined he didn't want to pay two head coaches to do nothing for a year. It's impossible for me to know whether he would have retained Kubiak if there hadn't been a lockout. I suspect he would have, but I'll never know.

My Texans fandom has matured over the decade. Like you I was once willing to overlook or minimize obvious deficiencies, obvious examples of organizational ineptitude. I find I can't do that anymore. It's a natural process I guess. But I am certain that the team cannot and will not win with Kubiak as the head coach, and I suspect that Rick Smith is equally inept although it's unclear who holds the final say in personnel matters. Smith insists he does but I don't believe it.

And last year was the first year that I didn't particularly enjoy going to the games. I like sitting in my seat and watching the game, sure, but everything else has sort of lost its luster for me. I guess my sobering up about the team has allowed me to see what was visible all along. Standing in an ugly parking lot in front of an ugly stadium at 11 am in unbearable heat dodging cigarette smoke wafting over from drunk, tattooed, chicken fried rednecks blasting Kid Rock or some goat roaping nonsense is just not as fun as it once was. Maybe I'm just getting old. Hell, I'm ten years older than I was when I started in on this idiocy.

Anyway, it looks like my 50 minutes is up. I'll see you next week.

[Fonz the Boss]

Texans really disappointed me last season but darn it I still love my f@ck!ng team. Don't really know what to expect this year but I'm 100% sure I'll be rooting for them every step of the way. I'm pretty sure I'll be raging if we get plagued by incompetence once again but I'm hoping we finally turn it around.

[nunusguy]

It's not as clear to me that McNair doesn't care about winning but I'm getting there. His retaining Kubiak is problematic. He knew that a lockout was a certainty and as I long imagined he didn't want to pay two head coaches to do nothing for a year. It's impossible for me to know whether he would have retained Kubiak if there hadn't been a lockout. I suspect he would have, but I'll never know.


You know, I think the only major mistake McNair has made was not canning Kubiak after he missed a golden opportunity to go to the playoffs in 2009. He really should have taken the Texans to the playoffs in 2009 with that pud schedule, but blew some close ones and didn't have the Texans ready in the season opener vs the Jets. And maybe McNair really wanted to get rid of him this year, but with the lockout and all I can appreciate the uncertainty teams would be facing with in 2011, which maybe seemed almost like a throw away season ?
He didn't wait too long on getting rid of Capers did he ? Dom had that 7-9 season, then he won the first Draft pick next year and McNair promptly let him go IIRC ? Was there a problem there ?
I sincerely believe McNair really, really wants to win and get into the playoffs. More than we do. I might be mistaken, but FWIW that's my opinion ?

[NBT]

In 2009, just like in every year, the Texans could not win out in their division. If Kubes could have at least broke even in division he would have been over the hump. But that was then and this is now, and I am back at the trough, dreaming that this is the year we go to the playoffs.

With Mclain and Alexander it has always been how much can I extract from the fans of Houston, while putting the very least product on the field/court. I still think McNair is trying to put a good team on the field.

[nunusguy]

In 2009, just like in every year, the Texans could not win out in their division. If Kubes could have at least broke even in division he would have been over the hump. But that was then and this is now, and I am back at the trough, dreaming that this is the year we go to the playoffs.

With Mclain and Alexander it has always been how much can I extract from the fans of Houston, while putting the very least product on the field/court. I still think McNair is trying to put a good team on the field.
Just remember in 2009 we had a really easy schedule, while this year we've got another tough one like last year.
But remember when the defense got a slow start in '09, then played better as the season progressed ? The early difficulty was attibuted to adjusting
to Frank Bushs version of the 4-3 IIRC, but we had a whole preseason to get ready. This year we're going to have a major defensive conversion (4-3 to 3-4), with much less and possibly very little or no preseason to prepare. In other words, just keep dreaming about the playoffs in 2011.

[coloradodude]

Chuck, You have all the signs of an aging man. Soon football will not have the shine it used to even on tv...your interest will dim.


Anyhoo, the reason you don't fire Koobs is because he had the best run game in the NFL last year. Dominating run game is a key component of a championship caliber team. He was responsible for that. The QB was decent enough. Disagree if you want but the Baltimore game was very impressive in the 4th qtr. Shaubb showed excellent composure, freaky calm.

Defense was absolutely horrible. Defense coach has been addressed, personnel is next. Wade Phillips is a terrible HC but is a very good DC overall.

We are close even though most will disagree.

[WMH]

Chuck, You have all the signs of an aging man. Soon football will not have the shine it used to even on tv...your interest will dim.


Anyhoo, the reason you don't fire Koobs is because he had the best run game in the NFL last year. Dominating run game is a key component of a championship caliber team. He was responsible for that. The QB was decent enough. Disagree if you want but the Baltimore game was very impressive in the 4th qtr. Shaubb showed excellent composure, freaky calm.

Defense was absolutely horrible. Defense coach has been addressed, personnel is next. Wade Phillips is a terrible HC but is a very good DC overall.

We are close even though most will disagree.

I don't disagree. I can't remember where I saw it, or who I heard it from, but the Texans were voted one of the most exciting teams to watch. Granted, we came up on the short end of those "exciting" games 8 times last year.....they were still pretty damn entertaining.

Here's hoping Phillips has some magic vodoo dust or something, and we can turn that record around and sniff some January football.

If there is January football of course......

[Nconroe]

Chuck, You have all the signs of an aging man. Soon football will not have the shine it used to even on tv...your interest will dim.

I am just wondering, at what age does this shining diminish you refer to young one?

If true, I must be getting close. What is the medication required to solve this problem? Do you think vitamin D might help? maybe more tacos?

And even on TV, I think that is a bad theory as I am loving the HD TV more and more.

[NBT]

Very well said CD. I agree pretty much in all respects. We had a lot of injuries last year, and the defense really let us down. Koobs wasn't entirely responsible for that. This Draft, coming before FA and all, will be instrumental in whether or not we can reach that next step.

[Joshua]

Very well said CD. I agree pretty much in all respects. We had a lot of injuries last year, and the defense really let us down. Koobs wasn't entirely responsible for that. This Draft, coming before FA and all, will be instrumental in whether or not we can reach that next step.

I have to disagree on the injuries and I guess I have a question. What is your baseline for injuries; i.e., are you starting with the notion that we should make it through the season with zero injuries or are you starting with some "average" amount that can be expected due to the violent nature of the sport and concluding ours were above the norm? To me, last year's injuries don't stand out unless you start with the assumption that we should be able to get through the season injury free. However, virtually every NFL team loses several starters to season-ending injuries every year. Nobody makes it through an NFL season unscathed. Looking back at our injuries last year, I wouldn't put our injuries as out of the ordinary for a given NFL season. QB, RB, offensive line all were virtually injury free last year. AJ was dinged up but primarily played through it. I can't think of any significant injuries on offense last year, but I'm probably forgetting something. The defense saw Demeco and Barwin go down (Mario's IR came long past the point where it mattered IMO). Demeco clearly hurt, but Barwin was an unproven, role player who we really didn't know what we were going to get from him. It's hard to say a second-year back-up going down makes or breaks a season. If you really want to see a team that battled injuries, take a look at what the Packers went through last year and they won it all.

[Joshua]

Anyhoo, the reason you don't fire Koobs is because he had the best run game in the NFL last year. Dominating run game is a key component of a championship caliber team. He was responsible for that. The QB was decent enough. Disagree if you want but the Baltimore game was very impressive in the 4th qtr. Shaubb showed excellent composure, freaky calm.



Wow. After 5 years, all a head coach needs to show you is that he is good for one season at one aspect of one of the 3 phases of the game. That, my friend, is grading on a curve.

Best I can recall, under Kubiak, we had a terrible running game for his first 2 years. Had a breakout year with Slaton that was encouraging. Saw that evaporate the next year and us fall back to sucking again to the point where the Texans were practically taking out billboards to advertise that they would draft a RB in the first couple of rounds. Then, in year 5, put a great running game on the field. By my count, that's 1 really good year, 1 good year, and 3 bad ones. Moreover, there's not much indication that any of this was because of any masterplan by Kubiak. I think even Kubiak admitted that Slaton was never envisioned to be the lead back and all were surprised by his rookie production (and equally pantsed when he failed to back it up his 2nd season). As for Foster, they believed in him going into this season so much that they drafted Tate in the 2nd round. And I'm firmly convinced that the only reason Foster was able to succeed was because of Tate's injury. Kubiak always plays his high draft picks over UDFAs and other scrubs. If Tate had stayed healthy and looked remotely adequate in preseason, I have no doubt he would have been the starter and Foster would have been watching from the sidelines.

[popanot]

Aside from Foster, who might not even have seen playing field had Tate not gotten hurt, there is nothing positive that came out of last year. There are very few positions on this team where we don't need an upgrade, all-out replacement, depth, or serious improvement. And despite getting up off the mat and making most games at least interesting, this team was a bumbling mess most of the time.

The Defense was obviously horrible, but I'd put coaching right there in the sewer with it. I know it's easy to blame coaching, but how can anyone seriously consider Kubiak in the top - or even above average - coaching tier or think he's the answer? He was all over the map as far gameplanning and certainly with in-game adjustments, he buries young players on the depth chart despite the fact a veteran is playing poorly or the game/season is lost, never put any empasis on building a quality D backfield, he hires and keeps a subpar (or inept) coaching staff... Do I need to go on?

Kubiak has done nothing in his tenure to make me believe he has the skill-set to win big in this league. Hopefully I'm wrong. I think Wade will make the D respectable, and hopefully that will be enough to overcome Kubiak's deficiencies. I'm not counting on it, though, because I thought we were on the right track prior to last year and it all derailed. I don't see that we've improved.

[nunusguy]

I'm not counting on it, though, because I thought we were on the right track prior to last year and it all derailed. I don't see that we've improved.
But I wonder if the team really regressed last year ? It was a relatively difficult schedule while the 2009 record was perhaps inflated because of a very easy schedule ? In other words the Texans were about a 6-7 win team in both 2009 & 2010.

[chuck]

Joshua, sir, I am considering retiring from football-related posts around here for a while (and there was great rejoicing...) because anything I plan to say or want to say or would say I find already said by you.

[Nconroe]

well, fwiw, if we were to vote on Chuck continuing his posts daily or not, I'd vote yeah, for keep posting. find your posts entertaining and you have good opinions so keep up the posts. and your probably not that old either.

[popanot]

But I wonder if the team really regressed last year ? It was a relatively difficult schedule while the 2009 record was perhaps inflated because of a very easy schedule ? In other words the Texans were about a 6-7 win team in both 2009 & 2010.If their feable showing last year was because of how tough the schedule was, then we're in for another long season in 2011. The schedule this year looks a hell of a lot tougher than last year's to me. For the most part, championship teams aren't influenced by the schedule. Good teams make their breaks and overcome their mistakes. Bad or mediocre teams like the Texans make mistakes and provide the opposition with the breaks. Coloradodude brought up the Ravens game and Schaub's poise, but it was Schaub who made the final bonehead play that lost the game. I'm just saying this team isn't talented enough to overcome their mistakes on top of Kubiak's (and staff) coaching deficiencies. I think that has more to do with their record the last few years than the schedule.

[NBT]

I have to disagree on the injuries and I guess I have a question. What is your baseline for injuries; i.e., are you starting with the notion that we should make it through the season with zero injuries or are you starting with some "average" amount that can be expected due to the violent nature of the sport and concluding ours were above the norm?

No.......and since you are taking me to task, I was basically just agreeing with CD that Koobs had a good run game, that Phillips should make our defense better, the Draft will help the team, as will free agency, if we get to have one, and that we had a "lot" of injuries. Make what you want to out of that!