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Why Gary Kubiak should be extended

Lucky

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
I said should be extended. Not deserves to be extended. Let me elaborate:

1) Respect for Authority - An organization needs to stand behind its head coach. That tells the players that they will be held responsible and accountable for the team's success. The head coach has to be the alpha dog. And the pack works better knowing who their leader is.

2) Organizational Stability - Not in the schematic sense that has been argued for. That is overrated. As an organization, it will be easier to keep employees, and attract new ones, if the team projects stability. A long term contract for the leader of the team projects that commitment and stability.

3) Planning for the Future - Most people work better without someone looking over their shoulder. It is more likely that a head coach will do what is in the long-term best interests of the organization, if they believe they will be a part of the organization in the future.

We will never know how close Gary Kubiak came to being fired. What we do know is that he will be the Houston Texans head coach in 2010. Therefore, he must be given the trust and authority to command this team. Coaching on a lame duck contract (his current deal ends after the 2010 season), would undermine that authority and revoke the trust. Assistant coaches who could leave this offseason, would. Possible free agents would look at more stable situations. Chaos on the team would prevail, if adversity hits during the season. It's a no win situation.

Now, in no way should a contract extension bind Gary Kubiak to this team, if they fail to meet the organizational goals. If Bob McNair has to eat the contract, so be it. But, the perception of the organization has to indicate that Gary Kubiak is in total command. That can only happen with a contract extension.
 
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It seems to be premature. I'd think Bob would hate himself for extending a coach if he watched him go 0-4 in September. A lot of coaches have gotten mid-season extensions and I think that could also work for Kubiak's current term in Houston.

They play well to start give him an extension and you don't feel as bad about having to eat it later.
 
I can buy into that philosphy for sure. It makes a lot of sense to have stability from the employee and employer standpoint.
 
Lucky said:
I said should be extended. Not deserves to be extended. Let me elaborate:

1) Respect for Authority - An organization needs to stand behind its head coach. That tells the players that they will be held responsible and accountable for the team's success. The head coach has to be the alpha dog. And the pack works better knowing who their leader is.

2) Organizational Stability - Not in the schematic sense that has been argued for. That is overrated. As an organization, it will be easier to keep employees, and attract new ones, if the team projects stability. A long term contract for the leader of the team projects that commitment and stability.

3) Planning for the Future - Most people work better without someone looking over their shoulder. It is more likely that a head coach will do what is in the long-term best interests of the organization, if they believe they will be a part of the organization in the future.

We will never know how close Gary Kubiak came to being fired. What we do know is that he will be the Houston Texans head coach in 2010. Therefore, he must be given the trust and authority to command this team. Coaching on a lame duck contract (his current deal ends after the 2010 season), would undermine that authority and revoke the trust. Assistant coaches who could leave this offseason, would. Possible free agents would look at more stable situations. Chaos on the tam would prevail, if adversity hits during the season. It's a no win situation.

Now, in no way should a contract extension bind Gary Kubiak to this team, if they fail to meet the organizational goals. If Bob McNair has to eat the contract, so be it. But, the perception of the organization has to indicate that Gary Kubiak is in total command. That can only happen with a contract extension.
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I respectfully disagree and I agree with 99% of what you say. Make him earn the extension. 9-7 isn't a massive jump from 2 8-8s. You gave him 5 years. I'm all for Year 5 now but there is still alot to be said for how this team responds under pressure in mid-season. I think they could be on the right track but the bolded above is why I'm afraid of your scenario. I think Bob hangs on, not cuts bait when it comes to cash. I think at some point you have to show that minor improvements while having some of the same mistakes won't cut it. See how he reacts in the pressure cooker. That is what happens in the playoffs, etc. It would be a situation where you would get the URGENCY that I think has been lacking the last 2 years. A higher standard must be reached.

Great post though
 
I agree with the OP. He should be extended for the reasons listed.

But I stress this: The team must be ready to eat the contract if it is the same old, stale story of woulda coulda near misses next year.
 
I don't see the problem as long as McNair is willing to fire him (if necessary) and pay the rest of the contract out.
 
Lucky,

Are you drunk?

Kubes should be forced to coach with whatever time he has left. If he only has one year to coach, so be it.

You want us to give him a long extension so he'll be more comfortable making decisions for ONE year?

F--k that. He has had four freaking years. Most coaches would KILL for that. He should be grateful he's getting one more year, because he sure as **** don't deserve it.

Gary has had a long enough leash.
 
I'd like to give kudos to Lucky. He clearly didn't want Kubiak back. I was on the fence leaning one more year. But Lucky went out on a limb and said what needs to be done if the decision he wouldn't have made is made - to keep Kubiak. Productive plan rather than just carping.
 
HoustonFrog said:
I respectfully disagree and I agree with 99% of what you say. Make him earn the extension. 9-7 isn't a massive jump from 2 8-8s. You gave him 5 years. I'm all for Year 5 now but there is still alot to be said for how this team responds under pressure in mid-season. I think they could be on the right track but the bolded above is why I'm afraid of your scenario. I think Bob hangs on, not cuts bait when it comes to cash. I think at some point you have to show that minor improvements while having some of the same mistakes won't cut it. See how he reacts in the pressure cooker. That is what happens in the playoffs, etc. It would be a situation where you would get the URGENCY that I think has been lacking the last 2 years. A higher standard must be reached.

Great post though
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Exactly. Kubiak has BARELY earned a 5th year, and we should EXTEND him!

I don't think so.
 
HoustonFrog said:
See how he reacts in the pressure cooker. That is what happens in the playoffs, etc. It would be a situation where you would get the URGENCY that I think has been lacking the last 2 years.
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If it were a player, I would feel the same way. But, a head coach doesn't operate as an individual, in a vacuum. He has an effect on everyone. It's the most important job in the organization. Even more so than QB. You'll see a Super Bowl won on occasion by a mediocre QB. It usually takes a very good head coach to bring in a Lombardi (special exemption to Barry Switzer).

I would love to see Kubiak have to earn his extension. That's just not in the best interests of this team.
 
Lucky said:
If it were a player, I would feel the same way. But, a head coach doesn't operate as an individual, in a vacuum. He has an effect on everyone. It's the most important job in the organization. Even more so than QB. You'll see a Super Bowl won on occasion by a mediocre QB. It usually takes a very good head coach to bring in a Lombardi (special exemption to Barry Switzer).

I would love to see Kubiak have to earn his extension. That's just not in the best interests of this team.
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My mouth is literally hanging open reading this line. Let's just give him a 50-year contract and let him figure it out, ok?

Wow.
 
PHAROAH said:
I agree he earned one more season to prove himself and next season it's playoffs or bust!!!
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I don't think he's earned one more season, and I don't think Lucky does either. I think it is wrong to keep him and expect a dramatic change in the team's fortunes. This subject has been discussed ad nauseum in other threads.

However, the point here is that if the decision is made to leep him, then McNair must extend the contract. Having a coach in a lame duck year is a very clear vote of "no confidence" and will lead to problems during the season. If they don't extend him, they should fire him. As in many decisions, a wishy-washy non-decision of having Kubiak play out the string is the worst option of the three, if the team is committed to winning.
 
Runner I agree with you but what if the texans suck next season and they just gave him an extension of 4 seasons and they play like crap? Now they are on the hook and probably give another season due to the contract and the owner is on the hook and don't want to replace the staff because of money that he will have to give to a new coaching staff as well!!! I say let him play out the contract and if we are above .500 by mid season then extend him.
 
Runner said:
I don't think he's earned one more season, and I don't think Lucky does either. I think it is wrong to keep him and expect a dramatic change in the team's fortunes. This subject has been discussed ad nauseum in other threads.

However, the point here is that if the decision is made to leep him, then McNair must extend the contract. Having a coach in a lame duck year is a very clear vote of "no confidence" and will lead to problems during the season. If they don't extend him, they should fire him. As in many decisions, a wishy-washy non-decision of having Kubiak play out the string is the worst option of the three, if the team is committed to winning.
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No. If the team will run into problems because of Kubiak's "lame duck" status, then that's on Kubiak, and it likely will mean that, yet again, he's screwing up and the team is underperforming.

The ONLY time our players play is when they suspect that Kubiak's job is on the line. I think they should be forced to sweat it out next year and play for their coach, since they CLAIM they love him so much.

You and Lucky want to take the pressure off of Kubiak next year, so he'll relax and do his job. I say screw that. The game IS about pressure. He will just have to do what other coaches do: his job.
 
PHAROAH said:
Runner I agree with you but what if the texans suck next season and they just gave him an extension of 4 seasons and they play like crap? Now they are on the hook and probably give another season due to the contract and the owner is on the hook and don't want to replace the staff because of money that he will have to give to a new coaching staff as well!!! I say let him play out the contract and if we are above .500 by mid season then extend him.
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I'd expect a two year extension, of which the team will pay off those same two years after Kubiak has another year of mediocrity. It sucks that the Texans would have to waste that money, but that is what results from retaining a marginal coach for a fifth year. To me, this extension is a necessary evil to cover the bad decision of keeping him.

===============

I am surprised that every person in favor of keeping Kubiak isn't all for an extension. Supposedly he's building the team the right way, this year was a success, next year is the "real" next year for a play-off run, the next coach might not be better - why shouldn't he be extended?
 
Runner said:
I am surprised that every person in favor of keeping Kubiak isn't all for an extension. Supposedly he's building the team the right way, this year was a success, next year is the "real" next year for a play-off run, the next coach might not be better - why shouldn't he be extended?
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My reasons for not extending Kubiak are as follows:

1.) Lame Duck coaches have succeeded in the past (See Coughlin, Tom circa 2007)

2.) Kubiak and Smith are building the team right, but Kubiak's motivational routines are not getting to the players.

3.) Kubiak can still go 0-4 in September contract extension or not. Give him something to shoot for by mid season (an extension).

4.) Any problems Kubiak may have next season will still result in multitudes of fans calling for him to be gone before the season is out. An extension won't make those fans change their minds, and will only cost money in the long run.
 
I agree with this for the same reasons in the original post. Those who disagree must have attended the Ken Lay School of Organizational Management. It is about stability pure and simple. You have to have it in a successful organization.
 
Pantherstang84 said:
I agree with this for the same reasons in the original post. Those who disagree must have attended the Ken Lay School of Organizational Management. It is about stability pure and simple. You have to have it in a successful organization.
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That's lame. He's getting another year. That's stability. If he earns an extension, he'll get one. If he doesn't, he won't.
 
b0ng said:
My reasons for not extending Kubiak are as follows:

1.) Lame Duck coaches have succeeded in the past (See Coughlin, Tom circa 2007)

2.) Kubiak and Smith are building the team right, but Kubiak's motivational routines are not getting to the players.

3.) Kubiak can still go 0-4 in September contract extension or not. Give him something to shoot for by mid season (an extension).

4.) Any problems Kubiak may have next season will still result in multitudes of fans calling for him to be gone before the season is out. An extension won't make those fans change their minds, and will only cost money in the long run.
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Exactly. Rep.
 
Pantherstang84 said:
I agree with this for the same reasons in the original post. Those who disagree must have attended the Ken Lay School of Organizational Management. It is about stability pure and simple. You have to have it in a successful organization.
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Football is only big business on the top end. The turnover for the actual football is always high in the NFL (Which is why it is jokingly dubbed Not For Long). If you want stability you have to earn it, and inconsistency should not be greatly rewarded. I like Kubiak as a coach, but that doesn't mean he is garunteed to have success next season, and as a team owner McNair should be willing to pull the plug.

I don't see why if we keep Kubiak we HAVE to extend him for stability. Do people think the players won't play if Kubiak has a large goal looming above his head? (Playoffs)
 
houstonspartan said:
Lucky,

Are you drunk?

Kubes should be forced to coach with whatever time he has left. If he only has one year to coach, so be it.

You want us to give him a long extension so he'll be more comfortable making decisions for ONE year?

F--k that. He has had four freaking years. Most coaches would KILL for that. He should be grateful he's getting one more year, because he sure as **** don't deserve it.

Gary has had a long enough leash.
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Truth
 
b0ng said:
Football is only big business on the top end. The turnover for the actual football is always high in the NFL (Which is why it is jokingly dubbed Not For Long). If you want stability you have to earn it, and inconsistency should not be greatly rewarded. I like Kubiak as a coach, but that doesn't mean he is garunteed to have success next season, and as a team owner McNair should be willing to pull the plug.

I don't see why if we keep Kubiak we HAVE to extend him for stability. Do people think the players won't play if Kubiak has a large goal looming above his head? (Playoffs)
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I'm with you on this one!!!!



:wild:
 
To just state things, I am not, nor have I ever been, a Kubiak soaper. I did not think he needed to be fired at any time this season.
 
houstonspartan said:
Lucky,

Are you drunk?
Click to expand...
I no longer imbibe (clean & sober since 1999).
b0ng said:
1.) Lame Duck coaches have succeeded in the past (See Coughlin, Tom circa 2007)
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The Giants actually gave Coughlin a one year extension (through 2008) prior to the 2007 season. Lame duck coaches are rare. As ArlingtonTexan pointed out, Wade Phillips is coaching on his last year (though the team has an additional one year option).
 
Pantherstang84 said:
I stand by my post. There are ways to structure the contract to minimize the financial liability. You're just pissed his job got saved today. Get over it.
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LOL. Oh, that's mature.

Yeah, I'm so pissed that I was scouting hotel rooms in Boston and checking stub hub for tickets at Gillette Stadium after we won. Hmm. Yeah, that's pissed.

I stand by my response to your post: LAME.
 
I don't understand why people are singing kumbiya because we went 9-7 and we missed the damn playoffs and think that coach should get an extension for the sake to show stability!!!!! What in the hell is that? man let this guy prove that he has earned an extension look at the rookie head coach in New York taking his team to the playoffs with a rookie QB in Mark Sanchez and we have a QB who was tops in the NFL and the best wr in the NFL and we are not in the playoffs and the coach is in his 4th season!!!! I say let him prove it then give an extension if we are better than .500 by mid-season i'm tired of mediocrity.
 
Lucky said:
I no longer imbibe (clean & sober since 1999).

The Giants actually gave Coughlin a one year extension (through 2008) prior to the 2007 season. Lame duck coaches are rare. As ArlingtonTexan pointed out, Wade Phillips is coaching on his last year (though the team has an additional one year option).
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Okay so I remembered the Coughlin situation as much more dire in '07 when it wasn't (Although there were plenty who did not think he was a good coach), but I will go ahead and say that a coach is going to fail because he is not coaching well, contract extensions be damned.

Kubiak has had tons of stability so far, maybe the monkey wrench he needs is pressure from wire to wire. I like that our owner doesn't meddle, but I don't believe that he is going to give his money to Kubiak if he still has questions in his mind if Kubiak is the right guy for the job.
 
b0ng said:
Okay so I remembered the Coughlin situation as much more dire in '07 when it wasn't (Although there were plenty who did not think he was a good coach), but I will go ahead and say that a coach is going to fail because he is not coaching well, contract extensions be damned.

Kubiak has had tons of stability so far, maybe the monkey wrench he needs is pressure from wire to wire. I like that our owner doesn't meddle, but I don't believe that he is going to give his money to Kubiak if he still has questions in his mind if Kubiak is the right guy for the job.
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There was tons of turmoil concerning Coughlin & the way he coached prior to the 2007. I remember Strahan, Burress, Barber & others complaining about how his coaching style was rubbing the players the wrong way. To top it off, i believe they started the 2007 1-4 or something like that before a big comeback win against philly which sparked the run to the superbowl. The new york media was all over him.

So extensions mean didley poo.
 
Mr teX said:
There was tons of turmoil concerning Coughlin & the way he coached prior to the 2007. I remember Strahan, Burress, Barber & others complaining about how his coaching style was rubbing the players the wrong way.
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Which is exactly why an extension is given. It shows the players that they are stuck with the coach, so stop complaining and start performing.
 
Lucky said:
Which is exactly why an extension is given. It shows the players that they are stuck with the coach, so stop complaining and start performing.
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Honestly though, how often do you hear about the players not liking Kubiak? Coordinators, well Smith was given his turn over the barrel by the players but I would say that almost all of the Texans roster is firmly behind Kubes.

In retrospect Coughlin coaches like an asshole (Hey, that's just his style), and the players did not like it. If I remember correct, he actually came out and said he was going to be more lovey dovey in 2007 and the players in turn performed.
 
Lucky said:
Which is exactly why an extension is given. It shows the players that they are stuck with the coach, so stop complaining and start performing.
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The extension was given for prior success, not because they wanted to shut players up or because they didn't want players to percieve him as a lame duck coach.
 
Mr teX said:
The extension was given for prior success, not because they wanted to shut players up or because they didn't want players to percieve him as a lame duck coach.
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Coughlin went 8-8 the season prior to the extension (2006) . If the Giants were awarding the extension for prior success, it would have been given after the 2005 season (when the team went 11-5).
 
Lucky said:
Coughlin went 8-8 the season prior to the extension. If the Giants were awarding the extension for prior success, it would have been given after the 2005 season (when the team went 11-5).
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They went to the playoffs both years though...2005 & 2006
 
Two weeks ago I posted no extension until he coached us into the playoffs, but Lucky and others make some nice points both ways in this thread.

Dunno...guess if Mr. McNair and Rick Smith believe they are on their timeline for their franchise plan, then go ahead and extend him, but not with a huge extension...maybe 2-3 years with their goals re-emphasized to GK.
 
Pantherstang84 said:
I stand by my post. There are ways to structure the contract to minimize the financial liability. You're just pissed his job got saved today. Get over it.
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If Kubiak saved his job with the last game then Bob isn't a fair evaluator of his coaching staff. McNair had 63 other games to evaluate Kubiak from. I think it was pretty much decided some weeks back that Kubiak was staying. Why do alot of the Kubiak supporters think that the soapers don't cheer for our team and get excited when they win. If we didn't care we wouldn't care who is the coach. We just have different opinions on what is causing the Texans to under achieve and play so up and down. No matter what almost everyone thinks Kubiak is a nice guy and likes him.
 
Runner said:
I'd expect a two year extension, of which the team will pay off those same two years after Kubiak has another year of mediocrity. It sucks that the Texans would have to waste that money, but that is what results from retaining a marginal coach for a fifth year. To me, this extension is a necessary evil to cover the bad decision of keeping him.

===============

I am surprised that every person in favor of keeping Kubiak isn't all for an extension. Supposedly he's building the team the right way, this year was a success, next year is the "real" next year for a play-off run, the next coach might not be better - why shouldn't he be extended?
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Agree with the original post and this one.

I am pretty surprised that a few people, including myself, who didn't want Kubiak back next year are in favor of going ahead and extending the contract. I think Lucky made some real good points the other thing I'd point out as well if we are going to make a big FA splash, which I'm somewhat hoping we do long as it's an intelligent decision, no one is going to want to come to a team with a lame duck HC. I don't think he'll get a raise but at least extend the contract one year.

Meanwhile I haven't seen a whole lot of people who were bumping their chests post Pats game about Kubiak, don't seem to want to extend "their guy". Curious.
 
bckey said:
If Kubiak saved his job with the last game then Bob isn't a fair evaluator of his coaching staff. McNair had 63 other games to evaluate Kubiak from. I think it was pretty much decided some weeks back that Kubiak was staying. Why do alot of the Kubiak supporters think that the soapers don't cheer for our team and get excited when they win. If we didn't care we wouldn't care who is the coach. We just have different opinions on what is causing the Texans to under achieve and play so up and down. No matter what almost everyone thinks Kubiak is a nice guy and likes him.
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And where did I say that? I was a soaper too. Kubiak will be back and it is time to move on. Give him a 2 year extension loaded with incentives and limit the financial risk. There is not going to be football in 2011 anyway. What is so hard to comprehend about this? You want big sexxy (insert favorite UFA name here) to come to Houston? Do not lame duck your coach. No one wants to go play for a team with its future in doubt.
 
Andy Reid just signed a 4 year contract extension this december. I don't think the Eagles had any problems with him being in the last year of his contract. It isn't that uncommon in the NFL. Fisher signed an extension at the end of the 2007 season after starting 0-5 and getting them back 8-8. I wouldn't give Kubiak an extension until late into the 2010 season and that is if they are sure to make the playoffs. I would make it known that it is playoffs or no extension. Owners have to set some kind of standards and hold their coaches to them.

I don't think you can call it a lame duck year for Kubiak unless the team plays poorly. It is business and I would think the players would understand that. They usually play their butts off when they are in the last year of their contracts. So lets see if Kubiak coaches his butt off in the last year of his contract. Kubiak will have had 5 years to earn it. I disagree with Lucky on this one.
 
Lucky said:
I said should be extended. Not deserves to be extended. Let me elaborate:

1) Respect for Authority - An organization needs to stand behind its head coach. That tells the players that they will be held responsible and accountable for the team's success. The head coach has to be the alpha dog. And the pack works better knowing who their leader is.

2) Organizational Stability - Not in the schematic sense that has been argued for. That is overrated. As an organization, it will be easier to keep employees, and attract new ones, if the team projects stability. A long term contract for the leader of the team projects that commitment and stability.

3) Planning for the Future - Most people work better without someone looking over their shoulder. It is more likely that a head coach will do what is in the long-term best interests of the organization, if they believe they will be a part of the organization in the future.

We will never know how close Gary Kubiak came to being fired. What we do know is that he will be the Houston Texans head coach in 2010. Therefore, he must be given the trust and authority to command this team. Coaching on a lame duck contract (his current deal ends after the 2010 season), would undermine that authority and revoke the trust. Assistant coaches who could leave this offseason, would. Possible free agents would look at more stable situations. Chaos on the team would prevail, if adversity hits during the season. It's a no win situation.

Now, in no way should a contract extension bind Gary Kubiak to this team, if they fail to meet the organizational goals. If Bob McNair has to eat the contract, so be it. But, the perception of the organization has to indicate that Gary Kubiak is in total command. That can only happen with a contract extension.
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Not me. If Kubes has another disappointing season full of poor game preparation, bad 2nd halves, and personal decisions that hurt the team I think Mcnair would keep him around for the simple fact that he extended him. If Kubes is capable of being the guy and the coach for this team, then whether he has an extension or not shouldn't matter. He should be able to lead this team to a great season with or without an extension. If he's capable, he's capable. If he's not, then he's not. I don't think his extension matters that much honestly.
 
Lucky said:
I said should be extended. Not deserves to be extended. Let me elaborate:

1) Respect for Authority - An organization needs to stand behind its head coach. That tells the players that they will be held responsible and accountable for the team's success. The head coach has to be the alpha dog. And the pack works better knowing who their leader is.

2) Organizational Stability - Not in the schematic sense that has been argued for. That is overrated. As an organization, it will be easier to keep employees, and attract new ones, if the team projects stability. A long term contract for the leader of the team projects that commitment and stability.

3) Planning for the Future - Most people work better without someone looking over their shoulder. It is more likely that a head coach will do what is in the long-term best interests of the organization, if they believe they will be a part of the organization in the future.

We will never know how close Gary Kubiak came to being fired. What we do know is that he will be the Houston Texans head coach in 2010. Therefore, he must be given the trust and authority to command this team. Coaching on a lame duck contract (his current deal ends after the 2010 season), would undermine that authority and revoke the trust. Assistant coaches who could leave this offseason, would. Possible free agents would look at more stable situations. Chaos on the team would prevail, if adversity hits during the season. It's a no win situation.

Now, in no way should a contract extension bind Gary Kubiak to this team, if they fail to meet the organizational goals. If Bob McNair has to eat the contract, so be it. But, the perception of the organization has to indicate that Gary Kubiak is in total command. That can only happen with a contract extension.
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:clap::clap::clap:
excellent post.
And rep for putting what's best for the team above your distaste (I'll leave it at that) for Kubiak and what we didn't get done this year.
 
I'm really surprised at some of the posts in this thread by some people. I'm not at all surprised by some of the people who didn't support Kubiak coming back in not wanting him extended.

What does surprise me is more from his supporters saying they want him to earn his extension next year. Some of the supporters reasons for keeping him around was continuity. Yet, I don't see the same people suggesting that then putting their money where their mouth is on an extension. Maybe it's the way its been presented but, I really expected more of his supporters to be on board quicker and more loudly. Maybe this thread's still too young.

Truth is I know it's been done, but I don't like the idea of a lame duck coach. So what if we find ourselves struggling to start to season or hit another string of divisional losses in the season and we find out well maybe Gary isn't worth the last year we gave him. We find ourselves with a year wasted on what many people argued and voiced concern about.

Truth is I think that the reluctance to extend Kubiak beyond next year says the same thing the "soapers" have all along. You're not ready to commit to mediocrity long term. Difference is you're still willing to do it for one more year.
 
I think Lucky makes some excellent points, and since it's Bob's money, why not?

But, all of those great points aside, I want our head coach to perform under pressure. I want him to act like the 2010 season is the same as these last four games of 2009, like his job is on the line. I want the hot seat so freaking torching his buns that he either rises to the occasion and we get to the playoffs, or he melts and we finally find out if he's chewy nougat or golden caramel in the center.

I have a feeling, though, that it's just a matter of time before Bob announces an extension for Gary. It's the nice thing to do, and there are solid reasons for supporting this decision.
 
ObsiWan said:
:clap::clap::clap:
excellent post.
And rep for putting what's best for the team above your distaste (I'll leave it at that) for Kubiak and what we didn't get done this year.
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It is your opinion that Lucky is putting what is best for the team above what you call distaste for Kubiak. Others on both sides of the Kubiak issue don't think it is in the teams best interest to extend him. :logo:
 
bckey said:
It is your opinion that Lucky is putting what is best for the team above what you call distaste for Kubiak. Others on both sides of the Kubiak issue don't think it is in the teams best interest to extend him. :logo:
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No, it is Lucky's stated purpose.
 
Lucky said:
I said should be extended. Not deserves to be extended. Let me elaborate:

1) Respect for Authority - An organization needs to stand behind its head coach. That tells the players that they will be held responsible and accountable for the team's success. The head coach has to be the alpha dog. And the pack works better knowing who their leader is.

2) Organizational Stability - Not in the schematic sense that has been argued for. That is overrated. As an organization, it will be easier to keep employees, and attract new ones, if the team projects stability. A long term contract for the leader of the team projects that commitment and stability.

3) Planning for the Future - Most people work better without someone looking over their shoulder. It is more likely that a head coach will do what is in the long-term best interests of the organization, if they believe they will be a part of the organization in the future.

We will never know how close Gary Kubiak came to being fired. What we do know is that he will be the Houston Texans head coach in 2010. Therefore, he must be given the trust and authority to command this team. Coaching on a lame duck contract (his current deal ends after the 2010 season), would undermine that authority and revoke the trust. Assistant coaches who could leave this offseason, would. Possible free agents would look at more stable situations. Chaos on the team would prevail, if adversity hits during the season. It's a no win situation.

Now, in no way should a contract extension bind Gary Kubiak to this team, if they fail to meet the organizational goals. If Bob McNair has to eat the contract, so be it. But, the perception of the organization has to indicate that Gary Kubiak is in total command. That can only happen with a contract extension.
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best thread on topic ever...best.

Consistency is the key to a stable and sucessful franchise. I have been preaching to Houston fans for years. Kubiak is growing as a HC and he needs the full faith of the organization. Imagine if Cowher was fired after 4 years or Fisher . The same can be said for Sloan and Popovich. Players listen to them because they know they arent bigger than the HC and it is their jobs on the line if they dont perform.

It was the players that failed this year, Kubiak put them in the position to win. Dont extend or keep the players that failed. ( Dunta, Kris, Chris, Ryan)
 
Lucky's post is spot on.

If you believe in your coach, extend him.

If you don't believe in your coach, well then fire him now.
 
A few points I quibble with... (obviously these are all IMHO)

As an organization, it will be easier to keep employees, and attract new ones, if the team projects stability. A long term contract for the leader of the team projects that commitment and stability.
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Not necessarily. Stable mediocrity is still mediocrity. As a player, if your goal is to go to a Super Bowl, then you concentrate on a team with a leader / players that you think can get there (with you), not on how stable the organization is. In other words - If you see a good core of players and they are bringing in a NEW highly-rated coach, that might be a more-likely place that you'd WANT to call "home". (rather than a stable also-ran)

Planning for the Future - Most people work better without someone looking over their shoulder.
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It sure sounds good, but studies have shown that (up to a point) MORE supervision / oversight actually leads to better production. You try to avoid the "resting on your laurels" dilemma. Ex. - Kubiak himself stated that he approached Mario and told him that he wasn't performing up to expectation. Mario agreed. (insert WT? here) Bringing in a new staff that promises to re-evaluate each and EVERY position may "frighten" the players, but may kick them up that notch they need as well.
 
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