College coaches are fair game. McNair wants coaches with NFL experience and head coaching experience. They're two separate things.
Well, the Washington Post is reporting that Mike Shanahan's days as HC are numbered and his dismissal could come at any time. PLEASE Bob: JUST SAY NO! (ditto for Kyle Shanahan)
http://football.realgm.com/src_article/2379/20131209/$10_after_week_14/ The Houston Texans finally put an end to the Gary Kubiak era. After Thursday night’s loss to the (perceived) lowly Jacksonville Jaguars, owner Bob McNair pulled the plug on his longtime head coach. The final nail in the coffin, per a team source I’ve used extensively, was Kubiak’s waffling on the quarterback issue. When he inserted Matt Schaub into the game for a struggling Case Keenum, Kubiak essentially admitted he was desperately trying to win a game against a team the owner considers vastly inferior…and it didn’t work. Schaub, as is his custom, threw a terrible interception, though for once this year it wasn’t returned for a touchdown. Wade Philips takes over as interim coach, but he’s strictly a bridge until the end of the season. The precipitous fall-off of the back end of his defense is a big reason why the Texans have lost 11 in a row. The best player in the secondary is probably rookie safety D.J. Swearinger, but he’s a penalty waiting to erupt after any given play. Corners Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson have declined, while nickelback Brice McCain has fallen to Hinder-level schlock. Going forward, whomever takes over the Texans has a shot at a quick turnaround. They almost certainly will have the first pick in the draft, giving the new coach the ability to bring in the new franchise quarterback of his choosing. The offensive line should rebound with good health, and if Brian Cushing can come back (again) the defense will look a lot better. They still have J.J. Watt, in the midst of one of the greatest stretches of impact defensive play in NFL history. Early names bandied about include Kevin Sumlin of nearby Texas A&M, Stanford’s David Shaw, Penn State’s Bill O’Brien, and NFL coordinators like Jay Gruden, Pep Hamilton and former Bears coach Lovie Smith. One name prominently mentioned but quickly rebuffed by folks who would know is Washington’s Mike Shanahan. As Lance Zeirlein and other Texans media folks have stated, that is an obvious plant by the Shanahan camp to try and leverage a landing spot once he’s fired from Washington.
I would be ecstatic with either David Shaw or Bill O'Brien. Mike Zimmer wouldn't be hated by me, either. Lovie Smith just doesn't get me excited whatsoever. Kevin Sumlin would be a laughable move.
The more I think about Bill O'brien, the more I prefer him. We could use someone that will instill a culture the way he has done in that messy situation at Penn St. Unfortunately, I don't know that a guy like that will be the right personality fit with Bob and Rick (mostly Rick). but hopefully Bob comes to his senses and doesn't let Rick have a huge say in this hire.
It's probably gonna be one of these corpses - Dan Reeves, Vermiel, Marty Schottenheimer. Thanks again Bob.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Saw news reports that Stanford HC David Shaw is on Texans' short list: No chance. 1 minute spent on Shaw is 1 minute wasted.</p>— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) <a href="https://twitter.com/wilnerhotline/statuses/410137812487258112">December 9, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Would be pretty sad if McNair doesn't put his money where his mouth is when it comes to bringing in the captain of the ship. This is one of the most profitable franchises in sports. Should be able to get any coach they want.
Considering the new coach would have the reigning defensive player of the year, an elite LT and the 1st pick in the draft for a franchise that always sells out games in a forgiving market, who's owner let a mediocre coach have FOREVER to right the ship.... I don't understand how this job is not the most attractive opening in sports this year next to UT? Gruden should be BEGGING McNair for a chance at the job. I'm confused.
Gruden is where Dungy & Cowher find themselves - it's too much fun being a TV analyst and I can't blame them. After all, the strain of coaching caused Kubiak to suffer a mild stroke. Gruden has his MNF gig, his QB sessions and his charity work and that fulfills him completely. Same thing with Dungy - just look at how relaxed and happy he is on SNF.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Candidates I know on McNair's list: Lovie Smith, David Shaw, Bill O'Brien, Ken Whisenhunt. He's using same search firm as in 2006.</p>— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/McClain_on_NFL/statuses/410155294325358592">December 9, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I like that list. I don't hate any of those names. We should be able to interview all but Whisenhunt before the season is over.
