Front Office/HC/OC/DC who do you want?

[NBT]

Originally Posted by painekiller

You still Frank Bush Hating? The total defense is up to #20 in YPG, #24 against the rush, #19 against the pass.

I hate when guys do this, but I am going to any way. Take away 4 plays and this defense is in the top half of the NFL. Is this as good as New Orleans, no but they also where smart enough to sign a real Safety Darren Sharper who now has 5 INT and 12 passes defensed. Studly numbers.

We have one of the youngest teams in the NFL, our defense is lead by two 5th year guys. And now a rookie is our biggest playmaker. Bush is doing OK with these guys.

I don't hate Frank Bush, I just think Kubiak's insistance on hanging with is favorites is sometimes counterproductive. I was using NOLA and Grg Williams because I love the defenses he brings. To be fair to Bush, he seems to be getting the defense better prepared to play, especially now that Cushing is coming on like he is. Bush will have to have the defense on their "A" game again this weekend against Mike Singletary"s 49ers.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Joshua

I would say Bush has made some progress these last couple weeks and the D looks much better.

We played the Raiders and looked impressive. Then we allowed the Cards to score the most points they had all season, with most of it coming in the 1st half. I believe Bush saw what his players were able to digest and do best. Against the Bengals, we were able to contain Cedric Benson. By the 3rd quarter, the Bengals had given up on the run and were trying to catch up through the air.

I'm taking our progress with a grain of salt. The key in my mind was the addition of Bernard Pollard and playing more man coverage. Bush started having more confidence in blitzing Cushing and Ryans too. Amobi Okoye has been getting better penetration. If Mario were 100% healthy, I think we'd have more sacks and more turnovers. I'm somewhat dissapointed we didn't trade for Dorsey, but I don't know what the asking price was.

[NBT]

I like the blitzing too, but I am dissappointed that Mario hasn't gotten anymore sacks than he has.

[painekiller]

In light of resent articles, what do you think of this mixture?

GM - Floyd Reese - currently with the Pats


HC - Bill Cowher TV

OC - Kyle Shanahan, IMO Kyle want to be his own man, not daddy's son.
DC - Jim Haslett current HC of Florida Tuskers of UFL

[barrett]

Looks good, but if you get a guy like Cowher (which I'd love), then he is going to want to pick his own guys at the coordinator spots and maybe even GM.

[bckey]

If we can pay a player like Dunta Robinson 10 million a year then we can surely pay a coach like Cowher 10 million a year.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

Looks good, but if you get a guy like Cowher (which I'd love), then he is going to want to pick his own guys at the coordinator spots and maybe even GM.

Haslett used to work with Cowher. Most of the OC guys Cowher worked with are now HCs or secure in their position types.

[edit] Coaching tree

Assistant coaches under Bill Cowher that became Head Coaches in the NFL:

Dom Capers (Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers)
Chan Gailey (Dallas Cowboys) KC OC
Jim Haslett (New Orleans Saints/St. Louis Rams)
Mike Mularkey (Buffalo Bills) Atlanta Falcons OC
Ken Whisenhunt (Arizona Cardinals)
Dick LeBeau (Cincinnati Bengals)
Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals)

I also thought about Russ Grimm Asst HC Arizona, and one of Cowher's top guys. And I also thought about Brian Schottenheimer, Bill's former boss' son.

[kravix]

My belief is that Kubiak needs only one more win this season to hold his job.

Rick Smith is very unlikely to get canned along with Kubiak, if it happens.

If a HC change were to occur, unless it is a Cowher or Shanahan, we will definatley lose AJ.

Throwing around the names of 3-4 def minded coaches could mean another 2-3 years of bad def, and our def is just now showing some real signs of life.

Even if Kubes finishes 6-10 this year gimme one more year to see what shakes out. The OC/DC changes we have endured are not very congruent to a stable team.

Everyone is overreacting IMO. Even the best teams and coaches lose games. I would rather have a secure FO and team than another few years of turmoil. For every Sean Peyton there are 5 coaches that dont make it. NO would not be the same team without Brees at all, NE got lucky that a 7th round pick that had little exp turned into a star, and there has only been one and will only ever be one Peyton Manning. The point is most teams take time to build and very little time to destroy.

Cowher is a special coach, there are not 4-5 coaches like him sitting one the waiting list every year waiting to be picked up as the HC for some NFL team. Take the McDonalds feed me now, fast, and screw the consequences attitude, but me I will take the steady improvement route.

You cannot take a teams total win loss record and apply it towards the outcome of a game. The saying "any given Sunday" is real. Comparing the W/L records of teams without comparing the matchups, momentum, and cirumstances is like comparing the Superbowl winning Raiders to the shell of a team they are now.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by painekiller

In light of resent articles, what do you think of this mixture?

HC - Bill Cowher

By recent articles, I assume one of them might be the blog from Jason La Canfora at the NFL Network.

One source close to Cowher believes the compensation could reach the $10 million-per-season range based on early indications. ...

Cowher, who resides in North Carolina, is largely expected to be wooed by the Panthers should they opt not to bring back John Fox for the final season on his deal. The Texans and Bears would excite Cowher as well, according to a source, should they opt to make a move.

Two sources close to Cowher believe he is more ready now than at any time since retiring after the 2006 season to return to coaching, but he will remain very selective about his next move. ...

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/11/23/bill...-coaching-job/

[barrett]

I always figured that the big name guys would be interested in this job and the Cowher article confirms it.

Think about it. Lots of reasons why a coach would be interested.

1. As a head coach what better situation to come into then a very talented team that has underachieved. You don't have to work a miracle to go 10-6 or 11-5 with this bunch next year (they wouldn't have needed one this year, just a kicker and the ability to score on 1st and 1 and we are sitting at 9-1). So you are likely to come out looking good when the team sees the inevitable bump in win total.

2. For a defensive coach especially it is appealing because if you can get a little defensive improvement (which every Defensive coach thinks they can), the offense is already largely in place.

3. You are working for an owner who has been EXTREMELY patient with his first two coaches. You don't have to fear the quick hook. He is also the opposite of meddlesome like you'd have to deal with in Dallas.

4. You are in a manageable cap situation with no missing draft picks in the future.

5. The owner will spend to the max.

6. You get great fan support with a gauranteed sellout every week, but without the negativity and willingness to turn on you that you find in most football towns.

7. Softball local media that will never go after you as long as you give them there "insider" morsels.

Honestly, I don't know of a job that will be open that would be easier to succeed in then this one. If McNair will pony up, we should have our pick of coaches.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by barrett

I always figured that the big name guys would be interested in this job and the Cowher article confirms it.

Think about it. Lots of reasons why a coach would be interested.

1. As a head coach what better situation to come into then a very talented team that has underachieved. You don't have to work a miracle to go 10-6 or 11-5 with this bunch next year (they wouldn't have needed one this year, just a kicker and the ability to score on 1st and 1 and we are sitting at 9-1). So you are likely to come out looking good when the team sees the inevitable bump in win total.

2. For a defensive coach especially it is appealing because if you can get a little defensive improvement (which every Defensive coach thinks they can), the offense is already largely in place.

3. You are working for an owner who has been EXTREMELY patient with his first two coaches. You don't have to fear the quick hook. He is also the opposite of meddlesome like you'd have to deal with in Dallas.

4. You are in a manageable cap situation with no missing draft picks in the future.

5. The owner will spend to the max.

6. You get great fan support with a gauranteed sellout every week, but without the negativity and willingness to turn on you that you find in most football towns.

7. Softball local media that will never go after you as long as you give them there "insider" morsels.

Honestly, I don't know of a job that will be open that would be easier to succeed in then this one. If McNair will pony up, we should have our pick of coaches.

All very valid points but I think it would be disingenuous to state the positives of being a HC in Houston without recognizing any downside.
(1) Houston remains in the hinterlands of NFL franchises. Arguably a big-name coach like Cowher could change that, but even a Bill Parcells said the limelight the Cowboys offered him was a reason to take the job. Houston offers none of that kind of visibility.
(2) Lots of people just don't like the weather here. I know because I don't like the weather here for 'bout 6 months of the year, every year. And being an NFL HC is a 12-month a year job, you live there. It's a reality
whether one likes it or not or is willing to admit it. On the other hand some people like the heat & humidity of the places in the Sun Belt like Houston, Miami, & Tampa. A guy like Cowher can pick and choose when and where he works, but I'm thinkin he's a 4-seasons kinda guy ?
(3) The Texans are stuck in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL and it ain't easy getting by the competition to win the division crown, the least difficult way to going deep into the playoffs. And say what you want about Peytons age, but I'm thinkin he's gonna play forever.

[Dennis2112]

Yeah but what a story for the HOF if Cowher could lead the Texans out of the Hintherlands of the NFL into a legit SB contender?

Seems that would be appealing for a person of Cowher's ego and stature.

[TheMatrix31]

I just feel like Cowher will give this team TESTICLES. At this point, that's what I want.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

I just feel like Cowher will give this team TESTICLES. At this point, that's what I want.

My wise list is like this

Bill Cowher
Jeff Fisher if he is fired
Mike Holmgren
Steve Mariucci
Marty Schottenheimer
Greg Williams
Jim Fassel
Mike Mularkey
Mike Heimerdinger
Jim Harbaugh
Cam Cameron
Ron Meeks
Mike Tice
Kevin Gilbride


Dream Teams?

HC Bill Cowher
Asst HC / OC Mike Mularkey
DC Jim Haslett


or

HC Mike Holmgren
OC Jim Zorn
DC Ted Cottrell


3-4 defense

Smith - Hampton FA signing - Williams
Cushing - Ryans-Diles -Barwin

[TheMatrix31]

I'll pass on Holmgren...don't really know why though. Maybe I'm underestimating him.

And I definitely don't want Schottenheimer. That guy is an epic fail in the playoffs. Yes, I know we've never been, but I don't want our next perpetual "cycle" to be "get in the playoffs and lose every time". Marty Ball is brutal.

[Fonz the Boss]

We have the players... all we need now is an elite coaching staff. I want Bill Cowher here.

[TexanJedi]

Weird suggestion, but how about Shanahan? Would Gary accept a demotion to offensive coordinator/ Asst. Head Coach? It gives us a coach who has been to the promise land, with Elway I know, but it keeps the Texans from totally retooling. There are questions about would Mike come here after getting rid of Gary which is why I think it needs to be a mutual deal between Gary, Mike, and Bob McNair. I have never heard of such a thing, but who knows it could work. Heck, in a few years Mike could turn the reigns back over to an older, wiser Kubiak who would have a new perspective on being a head coach.

Blast away.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by TexanJedi

Weird suggestion, but how about Shanahan? Would Gary accept a demotion to offensive coordinator/ Asst. Head Coach? It gives us a coach who has been to the promise land, with Elway I know, but it keeps the Texans from totally retooling. There are questions about would Mike come here after getting rid of Gary which is why I think it needs to be a mutual deal between Gary, Mike, and Bob McNair. I have never heard of such a thing, but who knows it could work. Heck, in a few years Mike could turn the reigns back over to an older, wiser Kubiak who would have a new perspective on being a head coach.

Blast away.

Actually I have thought about this alot and think its a viable option. If we cant get Cowher. JMO.

Mike is a good game manager and Kubiack was a good OC. If they could work together (and I dont see why not) It would be an improvement over the situation right now. I also beleive Kubiak will be a good head coach one day. Who knows a step back under his mentor for a couple of years might be what makes the light go on. There are several benefits to this and its not in anyway a step backwards.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by TexanJedi

Weird suggestion, but how about Shanahan? Would Gary accept a demotion to offensive coordinator/ Asst. Head Coach? It gives us a coach who has been to the promise land, with Elway I know, but it keeps the Texans from totally retooling. There are questions about would Mike come here after getting rid of Gary which is why I think it needs to be a mutual deal between Gary, Mike, and Bob McNair. I have never heard of such a thing, but who knows it could work. Heck, in a few years Mike could turn the reigns back over to an older, wiser Kubiak who would have a new perspective on being a head coach.

Blast away.

I don't think that would sit well with Gary. I know that would not sit well if that happened to me. Shanny was a disaster his last few years in Denver and made alot of bad draft decisions.

[TexanJedi]

Originally Posted by Mike

I don't think that would sit well with Gary. I know that would not sit well if that happened to me. Shanny was a disaster his last few years in Denver and made alot of bad draft decisions.

But that's why we keep Rick Smith in charge of personnel.

2008- Ryan Clady and Eddie Royal in the 1st and 2nd.
2007- Jarvis Moss seems to be a bust.
2006- Culter, Scheffler, Marshall, and Dumervil with the first four picks rivals our '06 draft.
2005- Darrent Williams (R.I.P.) was becoming a good corner, not to mention the awesome Chris Myers.
2004- DJ Williams at linebacker.
2000-2003 had some misses. Foster ('03) was traded to Detroit for Dre Bly along with Tatum Bell (picked in '04). Ashley Lelie in the '02 draft, but they did pick Portis in round 2.

I am not sure who was controlling every personnel decision during that time but it seems that talent was not an issue by the end of his tenure. He was a little stubborn about making defensive changes but I can't see him coming here and blowing things up on that side of the ball as we have invested more on defense than Denver did. Yes there were the Maurice Clarett head scratchers from time to time but every team will make missteps. If Gary and Mike accept I think it could work for us.

I like Cowher, though my first choice would always be Tony Dungy but he will not come back to coaching I think, but would we have a small step back during the transistion as he changes the team? Now if you can guarantee me that is what it will take to make this team a Super Bowl contender, then great, let's take our medicine and do it, but of course there are no such guarantees.

I think one off season of focusing on mainly fixing the running game to protect leads and open up the play action passing game even more and we are in playoffs, meaning getting a big back (Gerhart, Dwyer or the like) and a couple of interior linemen or a tackle and slide one of our current tackles inside. I want a nasty running attack that would take pressure off of Schaub, not have issues on short yardage, and keep our defense on the sidelines.

This team is headed in the right direction talent wise so I am not convinced many personnel changes are the answer and I think Cowher might bring that as his system will be totally different I presume, maybe he works with what we have but I have my doubts. I guess my concern is more about learning a new system as we do have good talent already and that would surely be something that attracts Cowher, or any coach for that matter.