Per ProFootballTalk... MCNAIR PLANS FOR POST-DOM HIRE If/when the Texans fire head coach Dom Capers, word is that owner Bob McNair wants a replacement with NFL head-coaching experience. But he also wants a guy who is relatively young. This combination leaves McNair with few options, unless he's interested in 46-year-old David Shula, who primarily has been running daddy's steakhouses since getting run out of Cincinnati. So it appears that the next coach of the Texans (if indeed there is a "next coach" in 2006) will be a guy who is a head coach right now. And that means it'll be a coach who is either fired from or who is permitted to leave his current gig. The pool of potential retreads, though, will contain some younger guys who aren't all that enticing (pun intended), including the Meathead and Mike "Meathead II" Mularkey (who could find himself thrown under the Buffalo bus by Tom Donahoe if the Bills fall apart this year). Based on our discussions with league insiders, the primary candidates for the job likely will be Tennessee's Jeff Fisher and the Saints' Jim Haslett. Fisher, however, might not be available. Though the Titans generally are expected to stink it up this year, there is a feeling that owner Bud Adams won't hang the blame on his long-time head coach, given the significant offseason roster upheaval that the organization endured. Also, Adams surely is keeping in mind the fact that Fisher wanted to draft cornerback Antrel Rolle with the sixth overall pick, and that it was G.M. Floyd Reese who pushed for Ms. Pacman. Haslett's contract with the Saints runs through 2006. If the team isn't interested in extending it and he wants to walk, Saints owner Tom Benson might be inclined to let him go to Houston in order to avoid having to pay Haslett's salary. But Benson isn't always of rational mind, and he might decide to keep his hooks in Haz once Benson realizes that someone else might want him. Either way, the thinking is that McNair will need to make a move on Capers early enough in the 2005 season to permit the interview process to proceed in good faith (i.e., the Rooney rule). Then, if/when Fisher or Haslett become available, McNair will be able to pounce before they end up somewhere else.
Fisher or Haslett? I'd be fine w/ either one of those. I posted in another thread that Fisher would be perfect for us. Does anyone know the exact contract situations for NFL coaches? I know NBA coaches are basically free to quit/go wherever they want (i.e. Larry Brown). But does the same apply for NFL coaches?
I'd be alright with Fisher, but I just don't see that happening. Jim Haslett is just another ho-hum NFL coach and imo, he would do nothing for this franchise. McNair needs to be bold.
Haslett sucks. Might as well hire Mike Tice if you want a team where you wont know what to expect each week. And that's with teams that actually have some talent on their rosters. Of course, either are better options than Capers.
i don't know the details, but I remember when John Gruden when to Tampa from the Raiders, Tampa had give up a draft pick or something...
I am tired of the good ole' boy buddy system. I love Has and J.Fisher, however search for some new blood. Jerry Gray, Al Saunders. We can even go retro with Buddy Ryan. I love that maniac.
two words hell no there's a reason he hasn't found another job. some guys aren't meant for head coaching, like Dave Wandstedt or Norv Turner.
Fisher would be ok; No to Haslett... personally I like Jimmy Johnson or Jerry Gray. How about Mike Singletary, he owns in Madden
Two words... Pete Carroll. Though he is his early to mid 50s, he is relatively young with a torn of NFL experience. His offenses were good and his teams were competitive. Get him and many trade for Leinert as well or simply tank the season to nab him. If we are not going to make the playoff we better get the #1 or #2 pick in the draft lottery. Pete Carroll
I agree with this...You need a proven winner at the college or pro level...Hell no on JimH for NOLA...Together with Leinert, you can't lose...
Norm Chow would have a head coaching job now if he wanted one. I think he's more comfortable being a coordinator. Pete Carroll was considered a putz when he left the NFL, he's good at hiring college coordinators but his NFL coaching ability is questionable. Also, he's got a pretty good deal going now at USC and I'm not sure he'd be willing to go back to the asylum that is the NFL. Jeff Fischer would be a good choice and I think Jerry Gray would do a good job as well. I don't think Haslett would be a big upgrade.
Fisher or Gray would be fine by me. Haslett should have been fired 3 years ago. If he is hired, I will lose all repsect for McNair.
there is not "draft lottery" in the nfl. all you have to do is suck. the Texans are doing that quite well at the moment. i don't think pete would leave usc to coach this crappy team. i think the Texans need to go for some coordinator (maybe gray) and forget about the retread former/current head coaches. this team needs NEW energy -- it's a young team that needs a young head coach.
What about Jim Fassel? I always thought he got sort of a bad rap for no reason...and plus he's generally regarded as a qb guy from what I remember...
