Chronic: Texans to talk to GM candidate with ties to Kubiak

[Texans34Life]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3874201.html

Broncos' Rick Smith to visit
Texans to talk to GM candidate with ties to Kubiak

By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

The search for the Texans' next general manager officially will begin when Denver Broncos assistant general manager Rick Smith visits Reliant Stadium today.

Smith, who just completed his 10th season with the Broncos, will be the first candidate interviewed by Texans owner Bob McNair. Because of how well-respected he is around the league and his close relationship with new coach Gary Kubiak, Smith is expected to be one of the leading candidates for the job.

The Texans are seeking candidates who have strong backgrounds in evaluating talent and who can work well with Kubiak.

Smith fits both criteria. He's a former player and coach who has spent seven years focusing on pro personnel and has been one of the Broncos' primary negotiators of player contracts.

His relationship with Kubiak started 10 years ago when Smith joined the Broncos as an assistant coach on defense. At that time, Kubiak was entering his second season as the Broncos' offensive coordinator.

Smith, a former strong safety at Purdue, spent four years as an assistant before being placed in charge of the Broncos' pro personnel operations. He became known for his ability to find nuggets in free agency and late in the draft.

Charley Casserly, the only general manager in Texans history, resigned May 10, but is remaining on the job until June 1.

[O.G.]

I believe he will be the choice. If the Bronco's are the blueprint we are instilling, then this would be a good choice.

[Marcus]

Rick Smith is interviewing for the Texans' GM job just because Kubiak is the HC?

He's already the GM in Denver . . . so what gives?

[Tex Trenches]

I believe Rick Smith is the assistant G.M.

[Bobo]

Originally Posted by O.G.

I believe he will be the choice. If the Bronco's are the blueprint we are instilling, then this would be a good choice.

No, bad choice. Kubiak needs a check and balance in place due to his inexperience, not a yes-man.

[Outlander]

Hmmm....you think Megan "MANFULL" got ribbed growing up with a last night like that?

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

Originally Posted by Bobo

No, bad choice. Kubiak needs a check and balance in place due to his inexperience, not a yes-man.

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLEW

[aj.]

Originally, Casserly was supposed to be the check and balance on Dom. That turned out real well.

I'm for whatever works and until proven otherwise I'll keep saying that I don't beleve McNair wants a strong GM.

[nunusguy]

They just announced that Rick Smith would be on 610 this evening, 5-6.

[Sportsfan]

Originally Posted by battlered

thats so funny that y'all always title this type of thread

CHRONIC

Yeah for some reason that always makes me chuckle too. LOL

[nunusguy]

Smith is on 610 right now, and this guy is really articulate, almost lawyerly
articulate and not like a football guy at all. Very sharp. He seems confidant and very cool.

[aj.]

Came across very well. Said the right things. Obviously wants the job and got an invite back which is always a good sign. I think he's it.

[Texans86]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Smith is on 610 right now, and this guy is really articulate, almost lawyerly
articulate and not like a football guy at all. Very sharp. He seems confidant and very cool.

The GM's are usually football guys who don't seem like football guys. These are some of the businessmen of football. Look at Casserly, I didn't think he looked like a football guy, but he knew his stuff. Looks can be decieving.

[Exascor]

I just hope there's a lot of thought put into this. I'd hate to see a new GM become a roadblock to the Texans success. Maybe Smith would be a good choice if he sees things like Kubiak. Checks and balances can be counter productive sometimes. Glad it's not my choice.

[cuppacoffee]

Originally Posted by O.G.

I believe he will be the choice. If the Bronco's are the blueprint we are instilling, then this would be a good choice.

I've been impressed with the moves that Kubiak is making.

So please don't mis-understand my question.

Why did we choose to emulate the Broncos?

Why not the Patriots?..

Just asking.

[aj.]

Maybe because the Broncos have had only 3 losing seasons in the last 23 years and Kubiak was available and Belichick wasn't.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by aj.

Came across very well. Said the right things. Obviously wants the job and got an invite back which is always a good sign. I think he's it.

And I was sure Reggie was it. We don't want to assume anything with the
Texans.

[cuppacoffee]

Originally Posted by aj.

Maybe because the Broncos have had only 3 losing seasons in the last 23 years and Kubiak was available and Belichick wasn't.

Pretty remarkable accomplishment.

I would have to give most of the credit for that to ownership and not necessarily just to Shanny/Kubiak. I don't think that they have been there for the entire 23 years.

Hopefully Mr McNair will be as successfull from this point forward in running his franchise.

BTW Just a small difference in hiring Kubiak ( OC ) or Bellichick ( HC ).

My Irish beat the Texans to Bellichicks' OC.

No BoBo here. I like what the team has done so far* and expect to see a huge improvement in performance.

* not too sure about Rosenfels replacing Ragone though.

[aj.]

Originally Posted by cuppacoffee

Pretty remarkable accomplishment.

I would have to give most of the credit for that to ownership and not necessarily just to Shanny/Kubiak. I don't think that they have been there for the entire 23 years.

Kubiak was there for all but 3 of those 23 years as a player and a coach. Shanahan and Reeves were there for all but 2 of those 23 years. And yes, Pat Bolen is smart.

[cuppacoffee]

Originally Posted by aj.

Kubiak was there for all but 3 of those 23 years as a player and a coach. Shanahan and Reeves were there for all but 2 of those 23 years. And yes, Pat Bolen is smart.

Time flies.