Poll: Who would you want as the Texans' Head Coach in 2014?

[HPF Bob]

Poll: Who would you want as the Texans' Head Coach in 2014?

a) Gary Kubiak
b) Wade Phillips
c) Kevin Sumlin
d) Bill Cowher
e) Jon Gruden
f) Lane Kiffin
g) Art Briles
h) a Belichick disciple
i) a Harbaugh spawn
j) other (please name)

[WMH]

David Shaw is intriguing.

In all honesty, I don't think 5 of the guys on your list are remotely in the picture.
GK, WP, JG, BC, and Lane are the longest of longshots.

[painekiller]

Why would anyone want Lane Kiffin.

[BigBull]

Poll: Who would you want as the Texans' Head Coach in 2014?

a) Gary Kubiak
b) Wade Phillips
c) Kevin Sumlin
d) Bill Cowher
e) Jon Gruden
f) Lane Kiffin
g) Art Briles
h) a Belichick disciple
i) a Harbaugh spawn
j) other (please name)
I go with j) Cleveland Browns' Ray Horton. His defenses in Arizona and in Cleveland have been stellar.

[barrett]

Since we will either be starting over at QB or going with a guy with 10 starts, I want whoever we think is best at developing QB talent. Gruden did a heck of a job with Gannon and Brad Johnson. Sumlin is intriguing. I would interview him for sure and pick his brain on Manziel in the process. I am sure there are plenty of other offensive minds.

Briles is a great offensive mind but he is a perfect fit as a college coach and is born to recruit and glad hand and network. Those are awesome skills for a college HC, but don't really translate completely to the NFL in my eyes. He would be smarter to go to UT or some place similar.

I wouldn't hire Kiffin if I was the principal at a local HS.

Cowher is too far removed in my opinion. Plus with any good defensive coach you have to make a great OC hire. And then any success on offense means that OC is gone for then next HC job that opens up. I think continuity in offensive scheme is too important to be replacing OCs every other year. Defensive schemes are installed faster and produce results faster so I would rather have to replace a successful DC.

[nunusguy]

Poll: Who would you want as the Texans' Head Coach in 2014?

a) Gary Kubiak
b) Wade Phillips
c) Kevin Sumlin
d) Bill Cowher
e) Jon Gruden
f) Lane Kiffin
g) Art Briles
h) a Belichick disciple
i) a Harbaugh spawn
j) other (please name)
Don't look now, but San Fran is next to last in its own division and in a real struggle to make it into this upcoming post season. And this from the team that many have been saying for a couple of years has the best personnel in the NFL. Maybe they do, but as we know if your QB is playing poorly it won't be reflected in the "W-L" columns. So I think the appeal for a "Harbaugh spawn" is, well just less appealing now than perhaps it was just a short time agon.
McNair & the Texans need to make a "smart" choice instead of going for a PR move at HC like they did with their top FA signing in the most recent off season.

[WMH]

Lovie Smith will likely get an interview too.

[Warren]

Here’s some names not previously mentioned who have gotten some notice as potential NFL HC candidates:

Darrell Bevell, Sea OC
Pete Carmichael Jr., NO OC
Tom Clements, GB OC
Adam Gase, Den OC
Jay Gruden, Cin OC
Pep Hamilton, Ind OC
Aaron Kromer, Chi OC/OL
Josh McDaniels, NE OC
Greg Roman, SF OC
Ken Whisenhunt, SD OC
Todd Bowles, Arz DC
Mike Zimmer, Cin DC
Dave Toub, KC ST
Charlie Strong, Louisville HC

The last time McNair was looking for a head coach he brought in Dan Reeves as a consultant. If he does bring an outside perspective again I hope it’s someone with more experience in the front office. Ron Wolf consulted for the Chargers last year.

I could also see him leaning towards someone with an offensive background since developing a young QB is in the team’s future. If he goes that route it wouldn’t surprise me if he tried to keep Wade on board, especially if the new guy is a first-time HC.

[Roy P]

Here’s some names not previously mentioned who have gotten some notice as potential NFL HC candidates:

Tom Clements, GB OC

I could also see him leaning towards someone with an offensive background since developing a young QB is in the team’s future. If he goes that route it wouldn’t surprise me if he tried to keep Wade on board, especially if the new guy is a first-time HC.

I'd go with Clements and keep Wade as the DC. Keeping the WCO should help the offense to perform sooner instead of going through the growing pains of a completely different scheme. Plus, this guy has a decent history with tutoring QBs.

[Blitzwood]

I'd go with:


1. Tony Dungee**
2. Jon Gruden*
3. Bill Cowher
4. Tom Clements
5. Adam Gase

[barrett]

I'd go with:


1. Tony Dungee**
2. Jon Gruden*
3. Bill Cowher
4. Tom Clements
5. Adam Gase

The Tampa 2 scheme that Dungy excelled with in Tampa and Indy has basically been legislated out of existence with the rules changes. Since you cannot hit guys who go over the middle, TEs and slot receivers are 10Xs more valuable than they were ten years ago. So a cover 2 scheme that dares the opposing QB to attack up the seam is obsolete (See Monty Kiffin in Dallas). Playing zone, keeping everything in front of you, and tackling, just isn't a recipe for success when you aren't allowed to make guys pay for catching the ball in front of you (like John Lynch did).

I would be interested to see how flexible Dungy would be and what kind of scheme he would run to account for it being almost a whole new game. I am very impressed by him as a coach and man so I would guess he'd figure it out, but it would be a concern for any defensive guy out as long as him.

[bono]

I like what I read on Bevell.

I'm not an advocate on keeping Wade. If we're going to clean house, let's do it all the way.

[painekiller]

I was high on Jay Gruden in the past, now, not so much. You can take him off any list I am advocating.

How about Dan Quinn DC Seattle?

Bob Sutton DC Chiefs?

Marty Mornhinweg OC Jets, a WCO guy?

This one was listed by Warren, Pete Carmichael Jr., NO OC, interesting, 42 years old, never been a HC on any level, father was a former OC in the NFL.

[HPF Bob]

Lovie Smith will likely get an interview too.

Lovie would be a great defensive coach but his offenses were terrible.

Guys with no head coaching background are always risky, as are some college coaches, even great ones (Lou Holtz, Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier).

I like the Clements idea because he's had to fit a lot of different parts with the Packers and is a WCO guy. Of course, maybe it means Dom Capers returns as his security blanket on defense.

Right now, I have a far better idea of who I don't want instead of who I do want.

[HPF Bob]

The Tampa 2 scheme that Dungy excelled with in Tampa and Indy has basically been legislated out of existence with the rules changes. Since you cannot hit guys who go over the middle, TEs and slot receivers are 10Xs more valuable than they were ten years ago. So a cover 2 scheme that dares the opposing QB to attack up the seam is obsolete (See Monty Kiffin in Dallas). Playing zone, keeping everything in front of you, and tackling, just isn't a recipe for success when you aren't allowed to make guys pay for catching the ball in front of you (like John Lynch did).

I would be interested to see how flexible Dungy would be and what kind of scheme he would run to account for it being almost a whole new game. I am very impressed by him as a coach and man so I would guess he'd figure it out, but it would be a concern for any defensive guy out as long as him.

That's a great point. Defenses now are all about getting to the QB because they've outlawed hitting people. Would be nice to have coaches that emphasize tackling rather than just bumping. I'm so tired of missed tackles.

[painekiller]

Right now, I have a far better idea of who I don't want instead of who I do want.

Count me in this group also.

[WMH]

Can Cameron got an interview in '05, think he'll get another?

Usually has a pretty good O. Has done a lot with a usually boring LSU O, plus helped Mettenbergers stock soar.

[barrett]

Can Cameron got an interview in '05, think he'll get another?

Usually has a pretty good O. Has done a lot with a usually boring LSU O, plus helped Mettenbergers stock soar.

He also ran a very average Baltimore O that took off when he was replaced by Jim Caldwell. When Jim "cardboard cutout" Caldwell is an upgrade then the original must have been terrible.

[WMH]

Not sure how much weight I'd put in this, but.....

@BFeldmanCBS: BREAKING: Kevin Sumlin has recommitted to stay as the head coach at Texas A&M, sources told CBS Saturday. #Aggies

[WMH]

Not sure how much weight I'd put in this, but.....

@BFeldmanCBS: BREAKING: Kevin Sumlin has recommitted to stay as the head coach at Texas A&M, sources told CBS Saturday. #Aggies

Ok, got a little heavier, at least for this year. Oh well, he's never had a D that was worth a shit.

@MarkBermanFox26: Texas A and M announces it has reached an agreement in principle on a new 6-year contract with Kevin Sumlin

[barrett]

Ok, got a little heavier, at least for this year. Oh well, he's never had a D that was worth a shit.

@MarkBermanFox26: Texas A and M announces it has reached an agreement in principle on a new 6-year contract with Kevin Sumlin

That is my concern as well. UH has a better defense with a 2 deep that basically has one upperclassmen. That means the average coach that replaced Sumlin at UH has done more defensively with his own young recruits than Sumlin did with a full cycle at UH. Combine that with the Aggie D this year and it would be a real concern for me.

[WMH]

Saw Bill O'Brien's name pop up in a couple of spots. That'd be interesting.

[barrett]

Saw Bill O'Brien's name pop up in a couple of spots. That'd be interesting.

I agree. And we know McNair is a fan of the Patriots organization. I am too. Interesting name and he fits the mentioned requirements (HC experience, NFL experience).

[WMH]

@JasonLaCanfora: The Texans are using. headhunter Jed Hughes to lead their coaching search. Already turned down by some prominent former head coaches ...

[HPF Bob]

ESPN reporting that the Texans are looking at former Arizona HC and Steelers OC Ken Whisenhunt as the next HC. We may be saying "Win One For The Wizzer" next fall.

[Arky]

One thing that came out of the early firing, is that the Texans were wanting to get the fact that they are looking for a new head coach out ASAP. So, not only are they probably going to have the 1st pick in the draft, they should be able to get the #1 head coaching prospect, too....

[nunusguy]

Whisenhunt is definitely an offensive guy, so if that's your preference (vs a D guy like Lovie S.), that should be encouraging.
Objectively I can see a couple big drawbacks to the attractiveness of the Houston HC opportunity to potential candidates:
(1) Cap issues, (2) main division competitor already is blessed with a franchise QB who is also very young and will therefor will be on the AFC South scene for many years, (3) once again being objective here, Texans really don't have a clue about the identity of their own franchise QB, i.e., they don't have one or one even in sight.

[chuck]

The Texans have a roster that is full of holes and an owner who thinks they have Super Bowl talent. I can see why the Texans would be a hard sell for anyone with any head coaching experience or basic common sense.

[WMH]

The Texans have a roster that is full of holes and an owner who thinks they have Super Bowl talent. I can see why the Texans would be a hard sell for anyone with any head coaching experience or basic common sense.

Horseshit. Every NFL roster has holes. Coaching and a top end QB covers them up. NE and KC are good examples.

Houston provides financial support for whatever, and an owner that doesn't meddle.

[chuck]

?.. and an owner that doesn't meddle.

Except when he fires the head coach for not playing the fan favorite quarterback or except when he demanded that the same head coach fire his BFF DC and hire the guy that the owner wanted.

The Texans are going to be left with second and third tier coaching talent to choose from because anyone with any options will go to a real NFL team rather than this bunch of slapdicks. Are you surprised that experienced former head coaches have turned down the Texans? I'm not. And I haven't even accounted for having an albatross like Rick Smith guarding the door to the king's chamber.

Just because the players' facilities are supposed to be good (and they may be) and you think the stadium is outSTANding (it isn't, it sucks) doesn't mean that a real NFL coach is going to want to ringmaster this circus.

[barrett]

Except when he fires the head coach for not playing the fan favorite quarterback or except when he demanded that the same head coach fire his BFF DC and hire the guy that the owner wanted.

The Texans are going to be left with second and third tier coaching talent to choose from because anyone with any options will go to a real NFL team rather than this bunch of slapdicks. Are you surprised that experienced former head coaches have turned down the Texans? I'm not. And I haven't even accounted for having an albatross like Rick Smith guarding the door to the king's chamber.

Just because the players' facilities are supposed to be good (and they may be) and you think the stadium is outSTANding (it isn't, it sucks) doesn't mean that a real NFL coach is going to want to ringmaster this circus.

Now you have an issue with the stadium? I guess the superbowl committee disagrees with you.

[barrett]

Whisenhunt is definitely an offensive guy, so if that's your preference (vs a D guy like Lovie S.), that should be encouraging.
Objectively I can see a couple big drawbacks to the attractiveness of the Houston HC opportunity to potential candidates:
(1) Cap issues, (2) main division competitor already is blessed with a franchise QB who is also very young and will therefor will be on the AFC South scene for many years, (3) once again being objective here, Texans really don't have a clue about the identity of their own franchise QB, i.e., they don't have one or one even in sight.

The Colts are falling apart right now and have been outscored 161-99 while going 2-3 in their last 5 games (with the only wins coming over Tennessee. Their roster is far worse than ours when you take QB out of the equation. They were far better last year with Arians coaching them (and Arians stomped them a few weeks ago in his return). They had tons of cap space until their young GM spent a ton of money on mediocre Free Agents this offseason. And they are already down next year's 1st round pick because they traded for a running back who averages 2.8 ypc and was benched for Donald Brown. They will win a division title by default, but nobody is turning down jobs out of fear of the Colts.

[Nconroe]

Just the opposite of whatever Chuck mouths off about. So negative.

Make a few positive suggestions.

Perhaps name your preferred top tier of available coaches.

[chuck]

Now you have an issue with the stadium? I guess the superbowl committee disagrees with you.

I disliked the stadium from the first moment I set foot in it which, as an original season ticket holder, was a practice. I made this clear at the time and it would be easily verifiable if that cowardly puke Ric hadn't gotten pissy and taken the original HPF site offline with no warning.

And, Nconroe, what, you want me to make a list of coaches that will never coach in Houston? Why? And I'm negative? What? Do you need another dozen years of abject failure to cement your own opinion of the franchise? Seriously?

I realize that I have a darker view of the team and its prospects than most of you and I try not to continually post the same BS over and over and over. And I hope I don't. (And if I do, I hope I get called on it.) But in times of transition such as this I think it is entirely appropriate to point out that I think that the owner is plainly not the sort of owner who is likely to see many consecutive years of success from his team. I've watched the Texans closely for as long as they have been in existence and my conclusion is, to me, obvious, and it also has the advantage of being supported by things like facts.

Who knows. Maybe he'll hire some young genius and the Texans will suddenly begin to draft great and go on a New England style run. But do you really think this will happen? Really? Deep down?

I didn't think so.

[WMH]

I'd put 99-1 odds that the former coaches that have already said No were the same 3 coaches who are brought up seemingly every single off season.

Cowher, Gruden, and Dungy.

Whoopity Doo.

[Nconroe]

Quoting Chuck "I'm being given as a reference in an internet argument. Awesome". And it was a ref by Chuck. Double whammy. :)

[Nconroe]

Here is info on the headhunter Texans using to help find a new coach. Sounds like he worked with San Francisco and Green Bay recently.

http://www.stateofthetexans.com/the-texans-enlist-the-help-of-the-nfl-head-hunter/

[chuck]

Quoting Chuck "I'm being given as a reference in an internet argument. Awesome". And it was a ref by Chuck. Double whammy. :)

My populist sensibilities are warmed to know that the public internet is wide open even to those who never brought home plus marks down their reading comprehension report card columns.

How many season ticket holders do we have here? Keith? Who else?

How many people have never seen a Texans game in Reliant? Bob? Who else?

[chuck]

Here is info on the headhunter Texans using to help find a new coach. Sounds like he worked with San Francisco and Green Bay recently.

http://www.stateofthetexans.com/the-texans-enlist-the-help-of-the-nfl-head-hunter/

He's worked for Arsenal and Liverpool. Maybe he can find the Texans a kicker.

In all seriousness this sounds like a good move.

[WMH]

How many season ticket holders do we have here? Keith? Who else?

How many people have never seen a Texans game in Reliant? Bob? Who else?

Since day 1. Probably seen 95 of the 100+ games played. Sometimes life just gets in the way. Sometimes......

[chuck]

Since day 1. Probably seen 95 of the 100+ games played. Sometimes life just gets in the way. Sometimes......

Cool. Where are your seats? Where do you tailgate? Do you still have that first ticket? I managed to lose mine. That's really the only regret I have about my tenure as a season ticket holder other than not dropping them sooner.

[Nconroe]

Fwiw,
Been to atleast one game at Reliant every year.

First Oiler game saw at Astrodome in 1971.

Quite a few Texans open practices also.

[WMH]

Cool. Where are your seats? Where do you tailgate? Do you still have that first ticket? I managed to lose mine. That's really the only regret I have about my tenure as a season ticket holder other than not dropping them sooner.

Nose bleeds. 621. Yep, still have both first tickets, pre and reg season. They were plastic, so they've survived.... Our parking is in Orange, and our tailgating is sporadic. Getting too old to handle those Mondays.

I have zero regrets in hanging on to my tickets. Its good entertainment. Since we're high, its "only" about a grand per year.

[Nconroe]

Bleacher report has a list of their top 9 candidates
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1878744-top-coaching-candidates-for-houston-texans-after-firing-gary-kubiak/page/10

Kevin Sumlin - offense
Darrell Bennell - offense
Ken Whisenhut- offense
Pete Carmichael - offense
Luvie Smith - defense
Mike Zimmer - defense
Ray Horton - defense
David Cutcliff - offense
David Shaw - offense

[WMH]

Bleacher report has a list of their top 9 candidates
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1878744-top-coaching-candidates-for-houston-texans-after-firing-gary-kubiak/page/10

Kevin Sumlin - offense
Darrell Bennell - offense
Ken Whisenhut- offense
Pete Carmichael - offense
Luvie Smith - defense
Mike Zimmer - defense
Ray Horton - defense
David Cutcliff - offense
David Shaw - offense

No O'Brien, even in these early stages is surprising.

[Nconroe]

Then ESPN has a top 5 list
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2013/12/6/5183910/espn-has-three-former-oakland-raiders-head-coaches-as-candidates-for-vacant-texans-job

John Gruden - offense 95-81
Luvie Smith - defense 81-63
Mike Shanahan - offense 170-134
Kevin Whisenhut - offense 45-51
Tom Cable - offense 17-27

[Arky]

I think I've seen every game on TV since the beginning. Maybe overslept a couple of times back in the early days....

Never been to the stadium, probably will never go. Today's ticket prices are just too crazy for me. Getting in and getting out of the stadium area seems like a big hassle.......

Went to plenty of Oiler games back in the day. I still got an old Oilers vs. Chargers program from the 60's ..... Lance Alworth was still with the Chargers at the time...

[Warren]

Fwiw, Sumlin has no NFL experience. O'Brien is the most intriguing to me and he did interview with the Eagles and Browns last year before Penn State sweetened his deal. I wonder if that came with a hefty buyout provision?

Here's a scenario that crossed my mind: McNair goes with a "proven winner" who has connections with the front office and whose offense is basically already in place -- Mike Shanahan. And he gives Snyder draft choice compensation to let Shanahan out of his contract, even though he may be about to be fired and even though he has had one winning season in his last six.

That headhunting firm is the same one Texas used in its athletic director search and A&M is using in its president search.

[Nconroe]

Ok, last list I found, 10 names from Chron

Luvie Smith
Wade phillips
Ken Whisenhunt
Jack DelRio
Darrell Bezell
Gus Malzahn
Bill O'Brien
Todd Bowles
Pete Carmichael
David Shaw
Greg Roman

So lots of possibilities. See what happens.

[HPF Bob]

In case anyone's forgotten, Sumlin signed a six-year extension with A&M a week or so ago. I doubt he's available.

Del Rio interviewed for the USC job and he has already coached at Jacksonville so the guy already knows what it is like to coach a crap franchise. He's not my first choice he'll be a popular name this off-season.

[Arky]

In case anyone's forgotten, Sumlin signed a six-year extension with A&M a week or so ago. I doubt he's available.

Del Rio interviewed for the USC job and he has already coached at Jacksonville so the guy already knows what it is like to coach a crap franchise. He's not my first choice he'll be a popular name this off-season.

I don't have a problem with Del Rio. I know a lot people do. I remember he's not afraid to use trickeration - seemed like he always had a card up his sleeve when the Texans played the Jags.

Him + an innovative offensive coordinator could work.....

Also, he doesn't carry the already-been-to-the-Super bowl curse...

[WMH]

In case anyone's forgotten, Sumlin signed a six-year extension with A&M a week or so ago. I doubt he's available.

Actually.....it was reported this morning that he has not signed anything yet. Could be semantics, might not. Doesn't fit the NFL exp. McNair spoke of, but who knows how much of that was BS.

[BigBull]

I don't have a problem with Del Rio. I know a lot people do. I remember he's not afraid to use trickeration - seemed like he always had a card up his sleeve when the Texans played the Jags.

Him + an innovative offensive coordinator could work.....

Also, he doesn't carry the already-been-to-the-Super bowl curse...

I wouldn't have a problem with Del Rio as long as he doesn't bring an ax with him.:D

[nunusguy]

The Colts are falling apart right now and have been outscored 161-99 while going 2-3 in their last 5 games (with the only wins coming over Tennessee. Their roster is far worse than ours when you take QB out of the equation. They were far better last year with Arians coaching them (and Arians stomped them a few weeks ago in his return). They had tons of cap space until their young GM spent a ton of money on mediocre Free Agents this offseason. And they are already down next year's 1st round pick because they traded for a running back who averages 2.8 ypc and was benched for Donald Brown. They will win a division title by default, but nobody is turning down jobs out of fear of the Colts.
Wish we were 2-3 in our last 5 games, but yea the Colts do seem to be fading at the worst time of the year: sounds a lot like the '12 Texans doesn't it ?
And I'm with you about the Richardson pick, that decision was a real puzzler ? Too many good backs out there and too many to become available in future Drafts
to expend a first-round pick on.
Nevertheless, as the only team in the whole division which is not only set but in really good shape at QB with one of the best young signal-callers in the league, I definitely believe they have a leg-up on the competition. Having a QB now and for a long-time into the future is not everything in this league, but it's a substantial and more important necessary part of everything needed to succeed.

[barrett]

Wish we were 2-3 in our last 5 games, but yea the Colts do seem to be fading at the worst time of the year: sounds a lot like the '12 Texans doesn't it ?
And I'm with you about the Richardson pick, that decision was a real puzzler ? Too many good backs out there and too many to become available in future Drafts
to expend a first-round pick on.
Nevertheless, as the only team in the whole division which is not only set but in really good shape at QB with one of the best young signal-callers in the league, I definitely believe they have a leg-up on the competition. Having a QB now and for a long-time into the future is not everything in this league, but it's a substantial and more important necessary part of everything needed to succeed.

I agree the Colts are in a better place than us due to Luck. In fact, I would rather have Luck than any NFL player going forward. But potential HCs are not going to turn down this job to hid from the Colts anymore than they would turn down the Titans job to hide from JJ Watt. Watt and Luck are great players but those teams are not some kind of unstoppable juggernauts that would make guys say no to jobs. And like I pointed out, the Colts GM appears to be on his way to wasting Luck almost as well as we have wasted Watt thus far.

[Keith]

How many season ticket holders do we have here? Keith? Who else?
Yep, I still have my season tickets.

As for the thread topic... if Lovie is just going to bring in his cover-2 defense, I wouldn't be thrilled. Sorta like Kubiak trotting out the good ol' WCO.

[barrett]

Yep, I still have my season tickets.

As for the thread topic... if Lovie is just going to bring in his cover-2 defense, I wouldn't be thrilled. Sorta like Kubiak trotting out the good ol' WCO.

Even worse in my opinion. I really think they destroyed the Cover 2/Tampa 2 with the new rules on hitting over the middle. You can no longer design a defense around daring teams to attack the seam with their TEs and slot guys.

[HPF Bob]

I think there is going to be some new way invented to stop the spread offenses now that you can't beat up the receivers. The Seattle method of physical corners grabbing and tugging at receivers seems to be the new way but if the refs call defensive holding a lot, that isn't going to work. The other method is stampeding the quarterback but you aren't allowed to hit the QB anymore either. Makes it really tough to design an effective defense.

[barrett]

I think there is going to be some new way invented to stop the spread offenses now that you can't beat up the receivers. The Seattle method of physical corners grabbing and tugging at receivers seems to be the new way but if the refs call defensive holding a lot, that isn't going to work. The other method is stampeding the quarterback but you aren't allowed to hit the QB anymore either. Makes it really tough to design an effective defense.

Seattle is basically doing what NE did for their first superbowl when they just mugged the WRs and made the greatest show on turf disappear. That resulted in rules changes and an emphasis on calling defensive holding.

Seattle appears to be counting on the fact that the refs just can't call it every play. Plus if you mug them early in the route it is only worth 5 yards. Kind of like their team strategy that if the backup takes the same steroids as the starter the suspension won't hurt the team.

[HPF Bob]

I watched the 49ers game in between delays in the Broncos game (which were numerous) and I couldn't believe how much grabbing and yanking the Seahawks were doing without getting flagged. Davis and Crabtree, etc. were just getting grabbed like naked Playboy models on an an Indian rail car. I was saying "no wonder their defense is so highly-rated. They get away with holding on every snap." But let Kareem Jackson try that, or McCain or Swearinger? No chance. Laundry everywhere.

[nunusguy]

In one of his most open news conferences since joining the Redskins – a 22-minute session in which Shanahan talked about everything from Robert Griffin III, his success and failure as a coach, criticisms of himself, his father – Shanahan said that he does, however, wish at times that his body of work stood out more than his last name.
***
In his six seasons as offensive coordinator, Shanahan has directed units that have ranked among the top 10 in the league four separate seasons. Despite this season’s struggles, Washington ranks ninth in total offense.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2013/12/13/kyle-shanahan-hopes-his-body-of-work-speaks-louder-than-last-name/
*****
OK, so is this just totally ridiculous, that is considering young Shanny as the Texans' new HC ? He obviously has a history with the owner and the GM so he's a known quantity, and this would certainly be very controversial and probably on balance quite unpopular but could it be a savvy move ?
If you think both Kubiak and his system (WCO/ZB) were the problem, you wouldn't go for this deal, but if the owner is sincere and believes there's a lot of pieces already in place, maybe retention of the current offense with a new and a different guy running it plus a new QB would be the answer ?

[HPF Bob]

McNair said he wanted someone with NFL experience and head coaching experience. Baby Shan has never been a head coach so I don't think he's in the running unless genetics count.

[Arky]

Little Shanahan might be looking for a job soon.... I suppose one scenario is the Texans hiring a defensive-minded head coach and maybe looking his (Kyle's) way for the new offensive coordinator... No need to overhaul the offense with him....

[HPF Bob]

There's a chance Tom Coughlin could become available this offseason. He has AFC South experience, Super Bowl experience, knows how to build a killer pass rush but his teams often start slow and sometimes don't recover. Interested?

[chuck]

I would do backflips if McNair had enough sense to hire Tom Coughlin.

[WMH]

@AdamSchefter: Two less HC candidate for NFL: Just as Kevin Sumlin plans to stay at Texas A & M, David Shaw plans to do the same at Stanford, per sources.

@caplannfl: CBS Sports has a report that O'Brien has been approached by the Texans and Vikings.

[HPF Bob]

After this week, hard to make a case for Wade Phillips. The Texans' stinkbomb wasn't any better with Phillips at the helm than it was under Kubiak.

[Warren]

They've interviewed (http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/12/lovie-smith-interviews-for-texans-coaching-position/) Lovie, so at the very least they're Rooney Rule-compliant. The Texans can't talk to any current NFL assistants (other than Wade and anyone else on their own staff) until either their seasons have ended or during the designated windows during the playoffs.

[Warren]

The Texans reportedly will be talking (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/26/report-bill-obrien-will-interview-for-texans-job/) to Bill O'Brien soon.

[Arky]

The Texans reportedly will be talking (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/26/report-bill-obrien-will-interview-for-texans-job/) to Bill O'Brien soon.

This might be the best guy from what I hear.... offensive guy, worked with Brady/Belichick, went in and did a good job in a tough situation at Penn State....

If Wade is still around, bringing in a defensive-minded HC might cause friction between the two.... For example, would Lovie or Del Rio get along with Wade OK?..... Dunno.....:confused:

[Warren]

O'Brien is my favorite as well. He exceeded expectations at Penn State given the roster he had to work with, which was depleted by scholarship reductions and the defections that occurred when the NCAA let Penn State players transfer without having to sit out a year. His track record of working with QBs is also very attractive -- not only Brady, but he helped build McCloin from a walk-on to a guy who is getting a look as a potential NFL starter and has done a nice job with their freshman QB this year.

I don't see Wade sticking around if Lovie gets the job. Lovie's a 4-3 guy who, from what I read, likes to play things pretty straight-up with not a lot of blitzing. Wade runs an aggressive 3-4 and likes to keep opponents guessing as to where the pressure is going to come from. My biggest concern about Lovie, though, is the way his offenses struggled and how he went through multiple coordinators. Reminds me of the offenses of the Capers era around here.

[nunusguy]

O'Brien is a New England guy, and I'm not talking about the Pats. He's also Ivy League education wise, so I see him likely staying in his native area where he's probably more comfortable with the culture and climate as opposed to Texas if he gets an NFL head coaching opportunity up there which is very possible.
I'm sure we could do much worse than Lovie, but I kinda prefer another guy like him but with an offensive and not defensive background - Ken Whisenhunt.
However we are gonna have to wait for the Chargers to finish their season before we talk to him and I'm afraid that also includes the POs it they make it to post season.

[BigBull]

ESPN is reporting that Texans and O'Brien are working on a deal to make him the next hc of the Texans.

[HPF Bob]

Three head coaches just got the axe - Mike Shanahan in Washington, Leslie Frazier in Minnesota and Rob Chudzinski in Cleveland. The week is still young. I've got to believe the DC for the Bears is in hot water too after yesterday's meltdowns.

I don't think anyone needs to worry about Shanahan coming here because he'd want to be the GM too and I don't think McNair is willing to do that.

[HPF Bob]

Mortensen keeps pushing Bill O'Brien as being any day now.

[WMH]

Interesting nugget....
@AdamSchefter: Vanderbilt HC James Franklin, who interviewed for Texans HC job two weeks ago, has gotten requests to interview with Redskins and Browns.