Chron: Kubiak the front-runner among candidates to coach Texans

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3571537.html

Kubiak's interview goes well

By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Gary Kubiak's five-year wait is over.

Kubiak had an interview for the Texans' head coaching position in 2001, and as soon as it was over, he wanted a second chance. The Houston native was not sure he would ever get one.

That opportunity finally arrived Friday when the Texans' five-man search committee traveled to Denver to meet with Kubiak, who was ready and waiting.

He was more prepared, relaxed and familiar with the entire process than he was during his first go-around. It showed. All indications are that Kubiak, 44, now stands alone atop the list of candidates to replace Dom Capers as Texans head coach.

"Having the ability to come back and (interview) again today, I couldn't ask for anything else," Kubiak said by telephone from Denver. "It's been a great day, and it's been a tremendous experience for me."

Kubiak, who is in his 11th season as the Broncos' offensive coordinator, was much more confident walking out of Friday's interview than the last time.

It had to help that there was a familiar face involved in the interviewing process. In addition to Texans owner Bob McNair, general manager Charley Casserly, vice chairman Philip Burguieres, and Cal McNair (the owner's youngest son and a limited partner), Texans consultant Dan Reeves also made the trip. Reeves was Kubiak's coach throughout his nine-year playing career as the Broncos' backup quarterback to John Elway, and the two have remained close friends.

"He taught me a lot of football, and he taught me a lot about life," Kubiak said of Reeves. "He's a wonderful man, a good family man and a good Christian man. You couldn't, as a player, ask to be around anybody better."

Kubiak, a graduate of St. Pius High School, attended Texas A&M before being drafted by Denver in 1983. Other than two seasons spent as the Aggies' running backs coach (1992-93), Kubiak has been away from Texas the entire time.

"It's sure exciting to think about the possibility that it could happen," Kubiak said. "I've been away for a long time. I've been away from home for 20 out of the last 23 years. Denver became my home over that period of time, but I've got strong ties (to Houston), my family and friends. And I have a tremendous passion for the Houston franchise, being from there."

Kubiak is scheduled to interview with the Detroit Lions this weekend. His talks with teams will then cease. Since the Broncos have their first playoff game next week, Kubiak will not be allowed to speak with potential employers again until Denver's season is over.

The Texans have two more interviews scheduled with Jerry Gray (today) and Cam Cameron (Sunday). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz remains a candidate, but no interview has been set up, and the Texans' interest in him appears to be fading.

Kubiak's success as a Broncos assistant coach is apparent in the team's offensive statistics. During six of Kubiak's 11 seasons as offensive coordinator, the Denver offense has ranked in the league's top three. His work with Elway and current quarterback Jake Plummer also has garnered Kubiak a lot of attention.

That is why it was no surprise to hear he already has scouted David Carr, who could be Kubiak's next quarterback.

"First off, he's got tremendous ability," Kubiak said. "We all know he's a great kid. You can't ask for anything more than those two things. But then you've got to go to work. ... Through a lot of hard work, there's another level there for him to reach."

 

In other words, rrj, WE HAVE AN OFFENSE!

All we need to do is hire on Jerry Gray as defensive coordinator and we're set!