Baby Shan Leaving Texans / Search for a New OC

[Keith]

“We weren’t going to be denied,” Kubiak said. “When we were down (27-13), I told Kyle I wanted to go up-tempo. I thought we needed three possessions to win, so we went with our three-wide package.”

Shanahan, who’s expected to follow his father, Mike Shanahan, to the Washington Redskins, called the plays that produced three consecutive touchdowns.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6796848.html

This maybe isn't new speculation given Mike Shanahan has been in the news for awhile now on his hunt for a new job, but I thought this deserved a thread here to watch how this develops.

Kyle Shanahan gets a lot of grief from fans (not quite all of it deserved imo), but how Kubiak fills the OC role should Kyle leaves will be interesting. Will Kubiak resume playcalling duties? Or will he turn it over to someone else, and if so, how will that impact what has become one of the best offenses in the league?

[WMH]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6796848.html

This maybe isn't new speculation given Mike Shanahan has been in the news for awhile now on his hunt for a new job, but I thought this deserved a thread here to watch how this develops.

Kyle Shanahan gets a lot of grief from fans (not quite all of it deserved imo), but how Kubiak fills the OC role should Kyle leaves will be interesting. Will Kubiak resume playcalling duties? Or will he turn it over to someone else, and if so, how will that impact what has become one of the best offenses in the league?

Yeah, the writing is on the wall for Baby Shan to depart. This will be his last shot to work with his pops, and I just don't see him passing that up. I think he has been pretty vocal about wanting that opportunity. I say good for him. We will be fine. Baby Shan learned under Kubiak, and Kubiak maintained control throughout this year and last. I would imagine that it will be the same next year as well. Kubes will probably handle more than he needs to in the beginning, then hand it off after trust is earned.

Remember, last year vs the Bears, noone knew until the post game presser that Baby Shan even ran the offense......

[Mike]

This is a non-story. Kubes has said before that he expected at some point that Kyle would join Mike. I do think having playcalling duties removed from his plate has helped Kubes this year.

He will find an OC familiar with the system and be able to get him up to speed all throughout OTA's, mini-camp and training camp.

Will be interesting to see if Alex Gibbs comes back for another year.

[Keith]

per Charley Casserly of all people...:p

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/blogs/Watch-This/CBS-Charley-CasserlyShanahan-picking-his-Redskins-staff-80537292.html

With the Redskins on the schedule in 2010, that could make for an intriguing (and possibly primetime?) matchup.

[cland]

I guess that team will be called the 'Texans East'? Hopefully they don't romance some our our mid line depth.

[Nconroe]

Looks like Black Monday will be making plenty of coaches with experience available such as from Washington and Buffalo so far.

[James]

I can't say that coaching with his dad is going to be as much of a resume builder with Redskins as staying here and leading the Texans to the playoffs with one of the premier aerial attacks in the league. Just look at what Josh McDaniels was offered in such a hurry. I really think a hard sale from McNair and Kubiak would help him to realize that and stick for at least another year or two until he is offered a head job somewhere, rather than regress in Washington.

[chuck]

If the Texans end up with an OC who can shift the red zone play calling from stupefyingly idiotic to cheerfully boneheaded that should be good for another four wins or so.

[TheMatrix31]

I wonder who the candidates are to fill Shanahan's spot.

[texan]

I wonder who the candidates are to fill Shanahan's spot.

My money's on Rick Dennison.

[Arky]

I wonder who the candidates are to fill Shanahan's spot.

Aren't Kubiak's sons recently graduated? :p j/k

[Keith]

I can't say that coaching with his dad is going to be as much of a resume builder with Redskins as staying here and leading the Texans to the playoffs with one of the premier aerial attacks in the league.
This was the first thing that crossed my mind a few weeks or so ago when rumors of his father's return began. And unsaid here is that the Texans would have to grant permission to the Redskins for an interview since this would be a lateral move, right?

There would presumably be better job security by moving to the Redskins, given his father would just be entering a multi-year contract whereas Kubiak will be entering the last year of his in Houston (barring an extension, of course). Job security does not equal job sanity though.

[chuck]

There would presumably be better job security by moving to the Redskins, given his father would just be entering a multi-year contract whereas Kubiak will be entering the last year of his in Houston (barring an extension, of course). Job security does not equal job sanity though.

You know who owns the Redskins, right?

[Keith]

You know who owns the Redskins, right?

Of course. But as it stands now, Kubiak has just one year left. Snyder may decide to axe Shanahan after one year, but I doubt it given the amount he'll be investing in his next head coach. And one would think that Mike wouldn't fire his son after one season, right?

But that's why I also referenced job sanity... working long days and nights with your father (seems over-romanticized to me once the "teehee, this is fun!" wears off) not to mention working for a crazy boss like Snyder might be detrimental to one's mental well-being.

[Keith]

chron.com has the short list of candidates to replace baby Shan:

The four candidates to replace Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan are Tennessee offensive line coach Mike Munchak, Denver offensive line coach Rick Dennison, Atlanta quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave and Kansas City offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. ...

Kubiak worked with Dennison, Musgrave and Gailey in Denver. He's never worked with Munchak, who has spent his entire 28-year playing and coaching career the Oilers/Titans.

Munchak has never been an offensive coordinator. He's coached the offensive line since he retired after the 1993 season.

Musgrave, a former NFL quarterback, coached Matt Schaub at the University of Virginia and with the Falcons.
Kubiak tried to bring Dennison with him from the Broncos in 2006, but Mike Shanahan wouldn't let him out of his contract.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6798435.html

[Roy P]

Atlanta quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave

Musgrave, a former NFL quarterback, coached Matt Schaub at the University of Virginia and with the Falcons.


--Put me down for this guy. The offense was able to produce some yardage, so I would like some "continuity" and familiarity. I realize there were times when the offense could not score in the red zone or convert short yardage situations, but I blame most of that on the interior OL and the RB.

[bckey]

Atlanta quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave

Musgrave, a former NFL quarterback, coached Matt Schaub at the University of Virginia and with the Falcons.


--Put me down for this guy. The offense was able to produce some yardage, so I would like some "continuity" and familiarity. I realize there were times when the offense could not score in the red zone or convert short yardage situations, but I blame most of that on the interior OL and the RB.


I'm with Roy on this one.

[Mike]

I like Musgrave as well. Although Chan Gailey was a very good OC, just a terrible HC. He is like the offensive version of Capers.

[popanot]

All of those candidates have qualities I like and all would probably be fine in this system, although, Munchak is the least known commodity from an OC standpoint and probably the highest risk. It would be pretty cool having him and Bruce Matthews on staff, but I don't see him getting the job.

[NBT]

I don't know, I kind of like Mike Munchak for the OC job. He would certainly improve the run blocking and working with Kubiak, it shouldn't hurt the passing game too much. Besides it would piss off Bud Adams to lose him to the Texans. I like that thought. After thought: it would also reunite Munchak and Mathews, the best two Olinemen the old Oilers ever had.

[ramp1028]

Charlie Weiss anybody?

[WMH]

I don't know, I kind of like Mike Munchak for the OC job. He would certainly improve the run blocking and working with Kubiak, it shouldn't hurt the passing game too much. Besides it would piss off Bud Adams to lose him to the Texans. I like that thought. After thought: it would also reunite Munchak and Mathews, the best two Olinemen the old Oilers ever had.

The Chronic is reporting that our request to interview him was denied....
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6800366.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6800366.html

I didn't think they could block it if it was a promotion.....Typical Bud Adams, screw you Houston shit. Not that I was a huge fan of this thought, but that is classless to keep a man down that wants to be a HC someday.

[Roy P]

Charlie Weiss anybody?

Shirley, you jest?

[James]

Have to agree with Roy P on this one, Musgrave and Schaub do have one year of prior work together.

[Mike]

Charlie Weiss anybody?

I think Tom Brady made Weiss. Plus, he is an egotistical maniac. I would like to have an OC stay for a few years. Plus, that guy would put Fogo de Chao out of business.

[painekiller]

No one has mentioned Jim Zorn, he is a WCO guy.

As for Bud blocking Munchak, the Cards did the same thing with Frank Bush. It is one of the old tradition, that died a while ago.

[Arky]

No one has mentioned Jim Zorn, he is a WCO guy.


That's really a good idea........ I wonder if he and Kubiak have ever crossed paths?....

[Warren]

The Chronic is reporting that our request to interview him was denied....
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6800366.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6800366.html

I didn't think they could block it if it was a promotion.....Typical Bud Adams, screw you Houston shit. Not that I was a huge fan of this thought, but that is classless to keep a man down that wants to be a HC someday.There used to be a rule that each team could designate two supervisory assistant coach positions (usually the coordinators) and non-supervisor assistants could interview for those jobs without having to get permission from their employers. That was changed so now an assistant under contract can’t interview with another team for a job other than head coach without permission. At least when the Cardinals blocked Bush from coming in 2006 they bumped him up to assistant head coach.

But that's why I also referenced job sanity... working long days and nights with your father (seems over-romanticized to me once the "teehee, this is fun!" wears off) not to mention working for a crazy boss like Snyder might be detrimental to one's mental well-being.I think Shanito also runs the risk of getting the same stigma that Kubiak had for a while in Denver -- that Big Shan is the one really running the offense.

Did it strike anyone else as a little odd that the Texans were openly looking for Lil Shan's replacement over 24 hours before Shan Sr.'s hiring was announced?

My guess is that Weis would go to a team with a defensive-minded head coach who will toss him the keys to the offense and let him do his thing. I think the fact that Kubiak is involved in the offense, though, gives the Texans more flexibility to get bring someone in who hasn’t been a coordinator or play-caller before.

[Roy P]

My money's on Rick Dennison.

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6473
The Bears will look to create some stability for Cutler, who will work with his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons in 2010 following Rick Dennison in Denver and Ron Turner in Chicago.

Why wouldn't the Bears want to hire Dennison to work with Cutler in Chicago? Now that Kyle is going to D.C., I'd think the Bears would want to beat us to the punch on Dennison.


http://www.atlantafalcons.com/People/Coaches/Bill_Musgrave.aspx

This is the fellow I'm leaning towards.

[WMH]

Charlie Weiss anybody?

He just signed on with KC. That could be an interesting team to watch next year.....

[NBT]

The Chronic is reporting that our request to interview him was denied....
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6800366.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6800366.html

I didn't think they could block it if it was a promotion.....Typical Bud Adams, screw you Houston shit. Not that I was a huge fan of this thought, but that is classless to keep a man down that wants to be a HC someday.

That is typical classless Bud Adams. Screw you Bud.

[Warren]

My guess is that Weis would go to a team with a defensive-minded head coach who will toss him the keys to the offense and let him do his thing. ...or he could go to a team with a head coach with an offensive background like Todd Haley. :o

Speaking of fired college coaches, another name that came to mind is Steve Kragthorpe, most recently head coach at Louisville but who also had a decent stint as QB coach for the Bills. He and Kubiak coached at A&M within a few years of each other, so while they haven't worked together I'm sure they've worked with some of the same people.

[Roy P]

He just signed on with KC. That could be an interesting team to watch next year.....

http://www.kcchiefs.com/coach/todd_haley/

Haley also worked as an offensive assistant/quality control coach for the Jets (’97-98), working closely with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis,

[cland]

That is typical classless Bud Adams. Screw you Bud.

I say we pay the new OC a ridiculous salary, and publicly announce it just to sew dissension amongst the titan ranks.

*Mental Clip/Flash Forward to 2010 Texans v. Titans game*
Solomon 'stab me' Wilcotts: Can you believe it? Okoye already has 5 sacks on Vince Young! It's like he has the swine flu, and the Titan's line won't touch him!

[Warren]

Scheffler just reported on ESPN that the Texans have recieved permission from the Broncos to talk to Dennison. And that Dennison happens to be Kubiak's best friend. Welcome to Houston, Rick.

[Joshua]

Scheffler just reported on ESPN that the Texans have recieved permission from the Broncos to talk to Dennison. And that Dennison happens to be Kubiak's best friend. Welcome to Houston, Rick.

Heard that too. I realize that hiring your buddies is par for the course in coaching, but geez, I'm tired of Kubiak not even considering anyone that he's not facebook friends with.

[Roy P]

Heard that too. I realize that hiring your buddies is par for the course in coaching, but geez, I'm tired of Kubiak not even considering anyone that he's not facebook friends with.

I'm wondering what the odds are we draft Klint Kubiak to play FS come April.

[painekiller]

Dennison was Kubiak's 1st choice to be our OC 4 years ago. He was blocked then.

Bush was blocked and look at how well that has worked out.

[Arky]

I'm wondering what the odds are we draft Klint Kubiak to play FS come April.

Hey, there's also one Kevin Matthews (yep, son of Bruce), a very large center, graduating from A&M... Any opinions on him? I see on some draft boards that he's listed but not very high...

[Mike]

Heard that too. I realize that hiring your buddies is par for the course in coaching, but geez, I'm tired of Kubiak not even considering anyone that he's not facebook friends with.

Baby Shan turned out pretty good, little Gibbs seems to be a keeper and Frank Bush is a defensive genious compared to any prior DC we ever had. I am all for someone who Kubes trusts with the playcalling so he can concentrate on being a HC during the game.

[Roy P]

Baby Shan turned out pretty good, little Gibbs seems to be a keeper and Frank Bush is a defensive genious compared to any prior DC we ever had. I am all for someone who Kubes trusts with the playcalling so he can concentrate on being a HC during the game.

According to the records of teams this season, the Texans and Titans have the toughest schedule next year. I think the Texans finally posting a winning record, secured Kubiak's job for one more season. Anything less than making the playoffs, may find us looking for a new HC.

Therefore, Kubiak is probably thinking about who is the "best person for the job" that will allow Kubiak to keep HIS job. So, I'm willing to give the HC all the slack he needs (hopefully he doesn't hang himself). It will be interesting to see if we draft another interior OL and if Kasey Studdard continues to get snaps next season. Do Little Gibbs and Frank Bush let it be known that there is a NEED for a FS? Perhaps desperation is what this team need.s

[Warren]

Here's Dennison's official bio from the Broncos (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=357&contentID=628). Interesting that he was a LB yet after starting out as a special teams coach his career as a coach has been on offense. I agree with the comments about Kubiak's comfort factor and there ought to be a seamless transition.

[HPF Bob]

Per Schefter, Dennison will be in Houston on Monday. I liked the idea of Musgrave (who also had a stint in Denver many years ago) but will be okay with Dennison.

[Warren]

Hey, there's also one Kevin Matthews (yep, son of Bruce), a very large center, graduating from A&M... Any opinions on him? I see on some draft boards that he's listed but not very high...He came to A&M as a walk-on and started at center the last couple years. The Aggie OL was a mess in 2008 and had some rough games this past season but improved overall. Matthews isn't the athlete his father was so I don't think he'll wow anybody at the combine or pre-draft workouts. He seemed pretty solid when I watched him and should have been exposed to NFL-style coaching and technique under Mike Sherman.

[Roy P]

I liked the idea of Musgrave (who also had a stint in Denver many years ago) but will be okay with Dennison.

Too bad we can't get Musgrave as the QB coach/Asst Off Cooord/Head Coach or some made up title like we gave Papa Gibbs and Bill Kollar.

[cland]

Well that was easy, and Dennison is a perfect candidate, and I'm sure he will be an an easy hire. The guy has been to 2 Superbowls as a Special Teams coach, coached Denver's formerly infamous line after Alex Gibbs left, and was promoted to Denver's OC in 2006. He is also one of Kubiak's good friends.

The only drawback, is that Dennison may be another short timer at the end of the day, as he was already under consideration to replace Mike Shanahan as a head coach. I'll be interested to see if this means the end of Alex Gibb's time here. Paying three former OL coaches seems to be a little unnecessary (Gibbs, Benton, Dennison).

2010 is Kubiak's year. He's finally got the staff he originally intended on, with Dennison and Bush as his two OC's. I give McNair a lot of credit for bringing in (and paying the salary of) all the coaches Kubiak has requested.

[Keith]

2010 is Kubiak's year. He's finally got the staff he originally intended on, with Dennison and Bush as his two OC's. I give McNair a lot of credit for bringing in (and paying the salary of) all the coaches Kubiak has requested.

Not to mention the general manager as well...

One does get the sense though that news of Alex Gibbs riding off to the sunset is forthcoming.

[nunusguy]

With Kubiak basically being a lame-duck HC, Dennison must be about the least attractive OC in the league if he ends up here ?

[Roy P]

With Kubiak basically being a lame-duck HC, Dennison must be about the least attractive OC in the league if he ends up here ?

I'm not following the logic.

Kubiak isn't necessarily a lame-duck and this offense was pretty successful. If Dennison can come in and can have a 4,000 yard QB, that's not a bad thing to have on your resume' if the team gets blown up. Secondly, if the team makes the playoffs, then Dennison is sitting in the Catbird seat.

One man's trash is another's treasure. Dennison might not be as good of a fit for another team in the league than he would be here. They don't call us "Denver-South" for no reason.

[popanot]

The fact is you can pretty much plug anyone in at OC and this offense should function just fine. I think that's been prove since we've had about a gazillion OCs and change-over in the offensive coaching staff since Kubiak's been here. Familiarity with Kubiak and his system is just icing on the cake.

[Keith]

Worth noting.
The Broncos turned down Washington’s request to interview Dennison because he would have coached the Redskins’ offensive line, meaning it was a lateral move. Under league rules, they could have denied the Texans’ permission to interview Dennison, too. But they didn’t because it would be a promotion from his current position as offensive line coach.

And also this quote from earlier in the article:
“We’re going to interview Rick (Monday),” coach Gary Kubiak said. “I want him, but we have to let things run their course.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6808207.html

[nunusguy]

I'm not following the logic.

Here's my logic: NFL coachs are like employees in any industry in that they probably value job security more than monetary compensation or any other element when it comes to employment opportunities. So with that in mind and knowing the most talented get the best opportunities, going to work for regimes like Shanahans in Washington or Carrolls in Seattle would represent the top-range of job security while those where the HC has only a single year remaining on his contract would represent the other extreme.
Now of course if Kubiak gets an extension of time on his existing contract to reduce the uncertainy of his longevity here in Houston, that's changes things.

[Roy P]

Here's
going to work for regimes like Shanahans in Washington or Carrolls in Seattle would represent the top-range of job security while those where the HC has only a single year remaining on his contract would represent the other extreme.

I could see the Seattle and the Washington jobs being considered more "high risk" than here. Also, Dennison wasn't going to beat out Mike's son as the OC in D.C. no matter how talented. As for Carroll, he probably wants somebody he has worked with before and shares his offensive philosophy.

In the NFL, there are no "safe jobs" so working with people you like where you feel free to "do your thing" with minimal intrusion, can be more important in job selection than having job security.

[Roy P]

Quote:
“We’re going to interview Rick (Monday),” coach Gary Kubiak said. “I want him, but we have to let things run their course.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/6808207.html


If we are to comply with the Rooney rule, who is our minority candidate to interview? Do we give Chick Harris an opportunity to interview to put a check in the box? Could we perhaps interview the Packers', Edgar Bennett? Maybe the Eagles' Ted Williams (who was a member of Ray Rhodes' staff) would be an interesting fit, considering how I'd like to utilize Slaton like the Eagles use Westbrook. When Kubiak says "we have to let things run their course." is he really saying, we have to make sure we don't get reprimanded by the league for not giving a minority a legitimate interview because we already have our guy?

This isn't even about racism. Kubiak obviously didn't let race preclude him from wanting Frank Bush as the D.C. Just curious if we have found a top minority candidate to interview for a "playcaller" position.

[barrett]

Here's my logic: NFL coachs are like employees in any industry in that they probably value job security more than monetary compensation or any other element when it comes to employment opportunities. So with that in mind and knowing the most talented get the best opportunities, going to work for regimes like Shanahans in Washington or Carrolls in Seattle would represent the top-range of job security while those where the HC has only a single year remaining on his contract would represent the other extreme.
Now of course if Kubiak gets an extension of time on his existing contract to reduce the uncertainy of his longevity here in Houston, that's changes things.

I think your logic is seriously flawed here. There is no way you can say the guy with the longest contract has the best job and is thus the best coach.

You have guys who are payed more for two years then another guy is for 4. It would be insane to say I have a better job making 500k for 4 years then you have making 2 million for 2 years. Not to mention buyout levels, bonuses, etc... These contracts are not simple things. They are also not concrete or permanent. You could be under contract for years when some crypt keeper takes out his overhead projector and explains why he isn't going to pay you anymore money.

Either way, Kubiak runs our offense and I am not extremely concerned about who the OC is, as long as Kubiak is comfortable.

[Roy P]

The fact is you can pretty much plug anyone in at OC and this offense should function just fine. I think that's been prove since we've had about a gazillion OCs and change-over in the offensive coaching staff since Kubiak's been here. Familiarity with Kubiak and his system is just icing on the cake.

If we could just plug in anybody, then why not Ray Brown of the Bufalo Bills? Perhaps Sean Kugler, since they are both out of a job. The Bills averaged 4.4 yards per carry (8th) while the Texans got 3.5 ypc (30th). The Bills also had a few rookies playing this season; Andy Levitre, Jamon Meredith, and Eric Wood. The Vets like Incognito and Scott have 5 and 3 years in the league.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?offensiveStatisticCategory=OFFENSIVE _LINE&archive=false&seasonType=REG&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&d-447263-o=2&conference=null&d-447263-s=RUSHING_TOTAL_AVERAGE_YDS&d-447263-n=1&season=2009&Submit=Go&qualified=true&tabSeq=2&role=TM&d-447263-p=1

Taking a look at the combined starts for the Texans OL this season = 157
Then turn around and see just how inexperienced the Bills were = 91.

These coaches got more with less.
Fred Jackson : 237 carries 1062 yards 4.5 ypc
Steve Slaton : 131 carries 437 yards 3.3 ypc

[texan]

If we are to comply with the Rooney rule, who is our minority candidate to interview?

I'm pretty sure the Rooney rule only applies to the head coach and front office positions.

[Roy P]

I'm pretty sure the Rooney rule only applies to the head coach and front office positions.

Then that's crazy. Just about every head coach has been a Coordinator at some point in time before they are considered to be a HC. I know that there are some examples of a position coach here or a Special Teams coach there that have been hired, but that's the exception rather than the rule.

[barrett]

Then that's crazy. Just about every head coach has been a Coordinator at some point in time before they are considered to be a HC. I know that there are some examples of a position coach here or a Special Teams coach there that have been hired, but that's the exception rather than the rule.

The rooney rule addressed the obvious issue of Minority candidates not getting head coaching shots. There was never much of an issue with minority candidates getting coordinator jobs, so they never made a rule for it.

[nunusguy]

I think your logic is seriously flawed here. There is no way you can say the guy with the longest contract has the best job and is thus the best coach.

You have guys who are payed more for two years then another guy is for 4. It would be insane to say I have a better job making 500k for 4 years then you have making 2 million for 2 years. Not to mention buyout levels, bonuses, etc... These contracts are not simple things. They are also not concrete or permanent. You could be under contract for years when some crypt keeper takes out his overhead projector and explains why he isn't going to pay you anymore money.

Either way, Kubiak runs our offense and I am not extremely concerned about who the OC is, as long as Kubiak is comfortable.

Notwithstanding what happened to Carrolls predecessor in Seattle, Shanahan & Carroll are almost guaranteed atleast 2 years no matter how bad their first year turns out while I think the Texans are less likely to finish above .500 next year than they were this year, and if that scenario becomes reality Kubiak and his staff will have a very tough time sticking in Houston beyond 2010.

[cland]

Notwithstanding what happened to Carrolls predecessor in Seattle, Shanahan & Carroll are almost guaranteed atleast 2 years no matter how bad their first year turns out while I think the Texans are less likely to finish above .500 next year than they were this year, and if that scenario becomes reality Kubiak and his staff will have a very tough time sticking in Houston beyond 2010.

Perhaps Dennison isn't quite as 'glass half empty' and sees a team on the rise, a coach that has completed it's first winning season and was a QB injury (Frye) away from the playoffs. And if you're going to get an OC job...starting with the #1 passing offense isn't a bad way to go.

[Roy P]

As of late Monday afternoon, nothing was finalized in terms of Dennison joining the Texans' coaching staff.

"He's going to be leaving here today with a chance to sit down and talk to his wife about our situation, and hopefully we'll have an answer here within the next 24-48 hours," Kubiak said



So, I'm assuming he's been given the offer. Now it just comes down to whether or not he accepts.

[WMH]

So, I'm assuming he's been given the offer. Now it just comes down to whether or not he accepts.

Yepper, from the Chronic:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6810120.html

"He and Shannon went home to talk about it with the rest of the family. Rick's been in Denver a long, long time, and he's got a lot to think about. He went home with a contract in his hands."

IMO - This is a done deal. Kubes got "his" man, someone he trusts, someone that knows the system and won't come in and jack with a good thing. While I know some groan the Denver pipeline, Kube's ass is on the line this year, and he knows it. He is going to try to surround himself with people he trusts can do the job, cause if they jack it up, he is toast and back to a co-ordinator spot, or A&M.........

[nunusguy]

While I know some groan the Denver pipeline
FYI the "Denver pipeline" is now nonexistent, but it's been replaced with the "Washington pipeline".

[NBT]

Dennison would be a good fit. Hope he and his wife could be happy in tropical 'Ol Houston. But the world won't end if they can't tear themselves away from their winter wonderland.

[Arky]

He came to A&M as a walk-on and started at center the last couple years. The Aggie OL was a mess in 2008 and had some rough games this past season but improved overall. Matthews isn't the athlete his father was so I don't think he'll wow anybody at the combine or pre-draft workouts. He seemed pretty solid when I watched him and should have been exposed to NFL-style coaching and technique under Mike Sherman.

Thanks! He's got the genes.... It will be interesting to see if someone selects him based on upside...

[Roy P]

Perhaps Sean Kugler, since they are both out of a job. The Bills averaged 4.4 yards per carry (8th) while the Texans got 3.5 ypc (30th).

http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/01/13/steelers-hire-bills-kugler-to-coach-o-line/

Well that didn't last long....The Steelers jumped up.

The Steelers agreed to terms with Sean Kugler to become their offensive line coach, according to a league source.

Kugler was part of a Bills staff that has been allowed to interview for other jobs while the team searches for a new head coach. Pittsburgh, which had issues protecting the quarterback in recent years, fired offensive line coach Larry Zierlein after the season.