Reggies on the Payroll
 

The Texans have hired Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Reggie Herring to coach linebackers, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.

Herring, who began his NFL career with the Texans in 2002-03, was new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips' first choice to coach linebackers. Phillips and Herring worked together with the Cowboys until Phillips was fired as head coach after a 1-7 start.

Herring met with coach Gary Kubiak on Wednesday. Last week, Kubiak hired the defensive backs coach Phillips wanted, San Francisco's Vance Joseph.

Meanwhile, Bruce Matthews is still working for the Texans after interviewing with the Cowboys on Monday. They're interested in him as an assistant offensive line coach.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/7389686.html
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Wade seems to be having his way with the defensive coaching hires, now I wonder if he gets his way with the defensive side of the Draft ?

He dadgum sure better!

I'm fine with this hiring. I'll be interested in seeing if we sign Mark Anderson back to play OLB, if Barwin makes any progress in that position, and if Cushing plays OLB or ILB.

This is what I'm most curious about. To me, this decision must be Wade's first call and everything else will flow from it.

I think Mark Anderson has to be considered until, and unless something else better comes along. I am more interested in how Wade gets this defense from the 4-3 to the 3-4 in a somewhat seamless manner.

I think Mark Anderson has the athleticism to play OLB in a 3/4 like D. Ware or Cameron Wake. As long as he's rushing the passer more than dropping into coverage, the better. Since Wade plays a 'One-Gap' 3-4 instead of a 'True' 3-4, the transition should be relatively painless. The most important alignment maybe who is on the field when we are in Nickle or Dime packages.

Just as something to consider....Peyton Manning has had some of his worst games against 3-4 teams. N.England, San Diego, Dallas.

Was he that bad against the Texans though when they had a 3-4 pre-Kubiak?

That team was so atrocious that it didn't matter. We had no real OLB other than Atwan Peek and he wasn't used properly. Mario Williams is a big upgrade over Robaire Smith. Then if you look at the ILB's vs. what we will have now. So, I think if we consider that Wade ran the defenses for San Diego and Dallas, perhaps we have a shot at making some noise. So, if we can get a CB worth a crap or some Safety play that resembles a decent coverage player, then we should make some strides.