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Texans Bull Blog thoughts on the ongoing rumors

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
Funny that totally competing rumors about the Texans surface on the same day. I'm guessing we have a good 8-10 days of this stuff since I don't think Bob will do anything until at least the middle of next week. In his mind (which I respect and appreciate), it would be a sign of disrespect to have someone fired right after the season ended.

Anyway, here are my thoughts, with a high quality link to Stephanie's discussion with football outsiders from a few days ago, regarding the two predominate rumors that surfaced today:

Texans Bull Blog
 

SAMURAITEXAN

All Pro
Funny that totally competing rumors about the Texans surface on the same day. I'm guessing we have a good 8-10 days of this stuff since I don't think Bob will do anything until at least the middle of next week. In his mind (which I respect and appreciate), it would be a sign of disrespect to have someone fired right after the season ended.

Anyway, here are my thoughts, with a high quality link to Stephanie's discussion with football outsiders from a few days ago, regarding the two predominate rumors that surfaced today:

Texans Bull Blog
Although I am disappointed with this year's result, I too like to see rumor #1 to be true.
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
So, you're back to wanting Kubiak?

Got it.

And you slammed me for predicting 7-9 before the season.

Ok.
I like the guy. Ultimately, I would like to see Tony Dungy or Bill Cowher replace him. However, there is an appeal to seeing him return with Wade Phillips in control of the defense.
 
I like the guy. Ultimately, I would like to see Tony Dungy or Bill Cowher replace him. However, there is an appeal to seeing him return with Wade Phillips in control of the defense.
I don't know anyone who doesn't like the guy. I would give him my ATM card and pin code if he asked. I just don't want him coaching this team any more.

As I said before, I take no pride in being right about this season. I don't think anyone who wanted him gone are happy right now. But, the truth is, this season was predicted by a lot of people.

How did we predict it? Because he's a predictable coach.
 

barrett

All Pro
for the record HS, yes. Dale has flip flopped publicly and I can assure you he's just as inconsistent in person as well.
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
I don't know anyone who doesn't like the guy. I would give him my ATM card and pin code if he asked. I just don't want him coaching this team any more.

As I said before, I take no pride in being right about this season. I don't think anyone who wanted him gone are happy right now. But, the truth is, this season was predicted by a lot of people.

How did we predict it? Because he's a predictable coach.
I don't want him replaced by Troy Calhoun, Mike Sherman, or Hue Jackson... that, I do know. I also don't want John Gruden, Tom Coughlin, or Jeff Fisher (for different reasons).

Guys I would like to see replace Kubiak:

Tony Dungy
Bill Cowher
Marty Schottenheimer
Jim Harbaugh (maybe)
Jimmy Johnson (if he's motivated, which he isn't)
John Fox (kinda, maybe.. with a new and strong GM)

other than that, I can't think of anyone that is (or will be ) available.
 

Hookem Horns

Texans Talk Bartender
Staff member
As I said before, I take no pride in being right about this season.
You shouldn't because you were wrong about this season. You actually thought this team could win 7 games. The Texans will be finishing 5-11 so your prediction of 7-9 is no different than the guy predicting 9-7.

:kitten:
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
In his mind (which I respect and appreciate), it would be a sign of disrespect to have someone fired right after the season ended. http://www.texansbullblog.com/address-rumors/news/
It is respectful because it allows the head coach and his assistants to enter the coaching market at the same time as the other coaches. Holding them back would be the disrespectful thing to do.

Reasons why this doesn’t make sense: Wade Phillips doesn’t solve any issues regarding preparation of the team, focus, attitude, nor the ability to play 60 minutes. If this team lacks toughness, I’m not sure that the replacement of Frank Bush by Wade Phillips does much to change that issue.
I couldn't say it better. How you could write this and still be excited about a possible Kubiak return is puzzling.
 

97roc

Waterboy
I like the guy. Ultimately, I would like to see Tony Dungy or Bill Cowher replace him. However, there is an appeal to seeing him return with Wade Phillips in control of the defense.
The only appeal of seeing him return would have been under different circumstances... as in the win/loss column. If they went 8/8 plus or minus a game, then yes, fixing the defense with Phillips might be the answer to getting us over the hump. Realistically, the only thing that scenario would do is bring us back to mediocrity.
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
It is respectful because it allows the head coach and his assistants to enter the coaching market at the same time as the other coaches. Holding them back would be the disrespectful thing to do.


I couldn't say it better. How you could write this and still be excited about a possible Kubiak return is puzzling.
Because I'm an emotional wreck. I love Kubiak and was confident this season was going to go very differently.
 
Because I'm an emotional wreck. I love Kubiak and was confident this season was going to go very differently.
Yes, you were very confident about this season. I remember vividly and have the emails to prove it.

You think YOU'RE and emotional wreck? Try going to the games like I do. It's been depressing beyond belief.

Look, Dale, just say you want Kubiak to return simply because you like him. Have the courage of your convictions and stick to them. I would respect that much more, to be honest.
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
Yes, you were very confident about this season. I remember vividly and have the emails to prove it.

You think YOU'RE and emotional wreck? Try going to the games like I do. It's been depressing beyond belief.

Look, Dale, just say you want Kubiak to return simply because you like him. Have the courage of your convictions and stick to them. I would respect that much more, to be honest.
I don't ultimately want Kubiak to return if he is replaced by a better coach. However, I'm also not in pursuit of your respect. Nowhere did I say in the article that I think keeping Kubiak is the best way to go. I only confessed that part of me would be excited about the Phillips move to DC with Kubiak remaining at head coach. Don't you ever have competing thoughts/emotions?
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
Between the coaching staff, the personnel department and the GM, I have figured out who is to blame and who needs to be replaced this off-season... well, kind of:

From Kubiaks' Monday presser:
(on if having DT Damione Lewis at the start of the season would have allowed assistant head coach/defensive line coach Bill Kollar to do things differently on the defensive line) “Well, we had the guy we thought was going to be that person for us when we went with Frank (Okam) coming out of training camp, but that didn’t work out. (DT) Damione (Lewis) has been a pleasant surprise. I mean, he’s played nine or 10 years in this league and he’s brought a nice presence to our room and what it means to be a pro and how important this job is to you and how quick it can go away. I’ve been very impressed with the way he’s played. He’s done a good job.”

Whomever is included in the “we” highlighted in red are the persons that should be replaced this off-season. As silly and petty as this may seem, the ability of the organization to assess itself this season and in previous seasons has been its downfall. I actually believe the team has done a good job bringing talent in. However, once players are here, the organization has no clue how to assess their performance, manage them, who to keep, who to bench or release, etc… Retaining Frank Okam in his third season out of training camp is as obvious an example I can think of. Well, turns out they not only kept him as backend depth on the roster, but they went into this season thinking they could rely on him to play a significant role. Wow! Where were these guys in 2008 and in 2009? Or, how about the 2010 training camp when he appeared disinterested, winded, and very sluggish. Or, where were they when his college coaches and NFL scouts were complaining about his lack of motor and disinterest in football.

CONTINUE ARTICLE HERE
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Because I'm an emotional wreck. I love Kubiak and was confident this season was going to go very differently.
I hate that you're an emotional wreck. You shouldn't let that happen. I would hate to think that your motions a tied to a Bob McNair run franchise.

I also dont think that the Talent level is where you think it is. Cushing is the only pro bowler drafted by Smith. D.Brown is the only other average starter drafted by Smith. Who other than those 2 guys in 4 yrs of drafting have really succeeded?

And yes I understand the need to be coached up.

That's a failure on Kubiaks' part. So i cant understand why you would want him back.
 

Vinnie

with an I E
Arian isn't doing too bad. Granted Smith didn't draft him, but he did bring him in. We never got to see what we had in Ben Tate, but you never know he may turn out well.
 
I don't ultimately want Kubiak to return if he is replaced by a better coach. However, I'm also not in pursuit of your respect. Nowhere did I say in the article that I think keeping Kubiak is the best way to go. I only confessed that part of me would be excited about the Phillips move to DC with Kubiak remaining at head coach. Don't you ever have competing thoughts/emotions?
I didn't say you should pursue my respect. I don't care. I am saying, however, that flip-flopping constantly can ruin a person's credibility. If you want Kubiak back because you like him, fine. But don't try and come up with a logical, football-based reason. There is none. Any pining away for Kubiak is strictly emotional at this point. Own it.

Have I ever had conflicting feelings? Sure. All the time. But there's always a breaking point. I was conflicted for nearly two seasons about Kubiak. I lived in Denver when he was there and worshipped the man. But I reached the breaking point last season, and I haven't looked back.
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
I hate that you're an emotional wreck. You shouldn't let that happen. I would hate to think that your motions a tied to a Bob McNair run franchise.

I also dont think that the Talent level is where you think it is. Cushing is the only pro bowler drafted by Smith. D.Brown is the only other average starter drafted by Smith. Who other than those 2 guys in 4 yrs of drafting have really succeeded?

And yes I understand the need to be coached up.

That's a failure on Kubiaks' part. So i cant understand why you would want him back.

When I say I'm an emotional wreck, I'm not referring to being tormented in my daily life. I simply have competing emotions regarding the Texans. On one hand, I'm frustrated with the coaching staff and the season and realize that changes need to be made. On the other hand, I am very fond of Kubiak and it will be sad to see him go.

Slaton should have been a probowler in 2008.
I think Quin was very good in 2009.
I think Zac Diles was very good in 2008 and 2009.
I love Barwin, though I realize he hasn't produced much on the field yet.
Jacoby Jones was a good 3rd round pick.
Acquiring Chris Myers and Matt Schaub were both very good moves.
Nice job grabbing Arian Foster (didn't we outbid a team for him last season?)


I also like these picks: James Casey, Sharpton, Tate...


I think it is difficult to assess talent level when the season has gone so awry. Having said all that, I would not want Rick Smith to remain as GM and hire the next coach. Nor do I think it is wise to leave Smith and Kubiak in place. So, essentially, I think he needs to be removed. However, I would simply argue that his personnel record isn't nearly as abyssmal as some think it is right now.
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
I didn't say you should pursue my respect. I don't care. I am saying, however, that flip-flopping constantly can ruin a person's credibility. If you want Kubiak back because you like him, fine. But don't try and come up with a logical, football-based reason. There is none. Any pining away for Kubiak is strictly emotional at this point. Own it.

Have I ever had conflicting feelings? Sure. All the time. But there's always a breaking point. I was conflicted for nearly two seasons about Kubiak. I lived in Denver when he was there and worshipped the man. But I reached the breaking point last season, and I haven't looked back.
What was my argument for keeping Kubiak? I don't recall making one. Saying that part of me would be excited about Phillips coming in as DC and retaining Kubiak is not an attempt to engage in any logical exercise. I'm just acknowledging that I would be excited about the move to a 3-4, excited to have a successful DC in place, and part of me would be happy to see Kubiak given another chance. Why are you so determined to attack me for this?
 
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JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
What was my argument for keeping Kubiak? I don't recall making one. Saying that part of me would be excited about Phillips coming in as DC and retaining Kubiak is not an attempt to engage in any logical exercise. I'm just acknowledging that I would be excited about the move to a 3-4, excited to have a successful DC in place, and part of me would be happy to see Kubiak given another chance. Why are you so determined to attack me for this?
You don't agree with him. :kitten:
 
What was my argument for keeping Kubiak? I don't recall making one. Saying that part of me would be excited about Phillips coming in as DC and retaining Kubiak is not an attempt to engage in any logical exercise. I'm just acknowledging that I would be excited about the move to a 3-4, excited to have a successful DC in place, and part of me would be happy to see Kubiak given another chance. Why are you so determined to attack me for this?
I'm not trying to "attack" you for anything. I'm just trying to get an idea of where you stand is all. You seem to be back and forth. And, yes, I do get conflicting feelings about things all the time.
 
You don't agree with him. :kitten:
LOL. Dale and I have agreed to disagree long before this. In fact, I was attacked by him earlier this year for predicting 7-9. I was fine with that. It was a healthy discussion and I enjoyed it. He argued his point, and I argued mine.

I have no problem with people disagreeing with me.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I looked at the talent level coming into this season and predicted 6-10,7-9. 5-10 is a product of Kubiak.

So I think my talent evaluation is a little more realistic. But to each their own. I dont mean this as a slight to you. Your fandom sometimes gets in the way of objectivity. I'm this way too sometimes too.

The main problem is think back to last draft. Holes were considered to be CB,S,DT,RB,WR

The same holes exist today. Except that they got lucky and hit on UDFA Foster.

This is a poorly run organization and unfortunately I dont see this changing any time soon.
 
I looked at the talent level coming into this season and predicted 6-10,7-9. 5-10 is a product of Kubiak.
So I think my talent evaluation is a little more realistic. But to each their own. I dont mean this as a slight to you. Your fandom sometimes gets in the way of objectivity. I'm this way too sometimes too.

The main problem is think back to last draft. Holes were considered to be CB,S,DT,RB,WR

The same holes exist today. Except that they got lucky and hit on UDFA Foster.

This is a poorly run organization and unfortunately I dont see this changing any time soon.
Yep. I also looked at two other things: 1) The NFC East coming in and 2) Our division record.

If we owned the division, we could easily absorb the NFC East losses. But our division record is what it is, and that's at least four losses right off the bat. Add in the NFC East competition, and that's at least two other losses, and one or two random losses here and there, and I hit 7 wins.

You HAVE to own the division.
 

dalemurphy

Hall of Fame
I looked at the talent level coming into this season and predicted 6-10,7-9. 5-10 is a product of Kubiak.

So I think my talent evaluation is a little more realistic. But to each their own. I dont mean this as a slight to you. Your fandom sometimes gets in the way of objectivity. I'm this way too sometimes too.

The main problem is think back to last draft. Holes were considered to be CB,S,DT,RB,WR

The same holes exist today. Except that they got lucky and hit on UDFA Foster.

This is a poorly run organization and unfortunately I dont see this changing any time soon.
Considering that I confidently predicted a 10-11 win season, clearly something affected my objectivity. My fandom is as good a guess as any. What I will say, though, is that I have consistent with my criticism of their intra-personnel decisions during the off-season, particularly regarding the positions you highlighted:

CB- I hated the Reeves cut as well as not hanging on to Parsons. I also thought they should've cut Bennett in '09.

S- I was outraged at how they handled the position in '09 and wanted to see an addition at FS this season.

DT- Check out how often I reamed the organization for ignoring Deljuan and keep Frank Okam. Also, I've been frustrated with the number of snaps Okoye has gotten since 2008.

WR- I've been down on David Anderson for awhile. I've been concerned about the lack of explosiveness at WR outside of AJ, though I think they efforted to address it with Dickerson this season

HB- I was thrilled with the Tate draftpick. Check out how outraged we've been about Steve Slaton remaining active and on the roster. I was very happy with the Derrick Ward signing this off-season and it turned out to be a good one. We also didn't like letting Jeremiah Johnson go nor did we ever buy in to all the Chris Henry hype.

Somehow, though, I still thought we'd win 10+ games.. Maybe I'm just crazy?
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
LOL. Dale and I have agreed to disagree long before this. In fact, I was attacked by him earlier this year for predicting 7-9. I was fine with that. It was a healthy discussion and I enjoyed it. He argued his point, and I argued mine.

I have no problem with people disagreeing with me.
Cant rep you

I wish more people were lke you.

The A&M/Kubiak sheeple cannot be logical. Gary's great guy doggonnit and he needs to keep his job. It doesn't matter if he= failure at said job.
 

JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
LOL. Dale and I have agreed to disagree long before this. In fact, I was attacked by him earlier this year for predicting 7-9. I was fine with that. It was a healthy discussion and I enjoyed it. He argued his point, and I argued mine.

I have no problem with people disagreeing with me.
Cant rep you

I wish more people were lke you.

The A&M/Kubiak sheeple cannot be logical. Gary's great guy doggonnit and he needs to keep his job. It doesn't matter if he= failure at said job.


Sorry, but I think that's a load of crap. You guys use terms like sheeple, stupid etc. for the people that don't agree with your opinions.

Actually, you may not mind people disagreeing with you, but you damn sure blast them for it.
 

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
Sorry, but I think that's a load of crap. You guys use terms like sheeple, stupid etc. for the people that don't agree with your opinions.

Actually, you may not mind people disagreeing with you, but you damn sure blast them for it.
Thank you.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Sorry, but I think that's a load of crap. You guys use terms like sheeple, stupid etc. for the people that don't agree with your opinions.

Actually, you may not mind people disagreeing with you, but you damn sure blast them for it.
I dont mean to be blasting people.

I like the dialog between posters and am just looking for reasons that Smith or Kubiak should be retained. To me there aren't any. Proof is in the pudding.

I do enjoy the spin the Texans/some MB posters are trying put on this situation.

Like for instance why would posters not want Gruden,Cowher,Billick etc... but are OK with keeping Kubiak/Smith etc... Give me a proven winner over a regime that hasn't won a thing in their lives.
 

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
Like for instance why would posters not want Gruden,Cowher,Billick etc... but are OK with keeping Kubiak/Smith etc... Give me a proven winner over a regime that hasn't won a thing in their lives.
If your only criteria is won a SB then the field is absurdly narrow and there is no discussion. Throw Schottenheimer out even though he has had good success.

As for Gruden, well I'll go with sucks at QB management which leads to team discord and the up and down career he had. His calling system is ridiculous and hasn't resulted in top half O results even though that is his expertise supposedly (unless you talk to GP) and he has consistently had teams on the verge of infighting and collapse.

Cowher - I have no arguments against only concern that Pittsburgh is unique. D minded coach who didn't make the D that made the teams he coached and he won't get his talent guru from Pittsburgh either. Again, concerns rather than opposition. Clearly the best candidate in this group.

Billick - again, can't build what he is supposed to be a guru in. That's a serious problem for me. Capers came here as a D guy and never built a good D. Kubiak at least came here and built a good O.

Sorry, back to your regularly programmed lynching.
 
If your only criteria is won a SB then the field is absurdly narrow and there is no discussion. Throw Schottenheimer out even though he has had good success.

As for Gruden, well I'll go with sucks at QB management which leads to team discord and the up and down career he had. His calling system is ridiculous and hasn't resulted in top half O results even though that is his expertise supposedly (unless you talk to GP) and he has consistently had teams on the verge of infighting and collapse.

Cowher - I have no arguments against only concern that Pittsburgh is unique. D minded coach who didn't make the D that made the teams he coached and he won't get his talent guru from Pittsburgh either. Again, concerns rather than opposition. Clearly the best candidate in this group.

Billick - again, can't build what he is supposed to be a guru in. That's a serious problem for me. Capers came here as a D guy and never built a good D. Kubiak at least came here and built a good O.

Sorry, back to your regularly programmed lynching.
Why deflect? What is the rationale for keeping Kubiak?
 

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
Why deflect? What is the rationale for keeping Kubiak?
I didn't deflect anything. I have made plain in this thread and others that I don't like Gruden and think he would be a downgrade. Billick looks like maybe a push with less success in his area of expertise so what is the point. Cowher I said I was cool with except for a couple concerns which was not to say don't do it.


Sorry, head back off to Anybody But Kubiak land. I don't believe the anybody part.
 
I didn't deflect anything. I have made plain in this thread and others that I don't like Gruden and think he would be a downgrade. Billick looks like maybe a push with less success in his area of expertise so what is the point. Cowher I said I was cool with except for a couple concerns which was not to say don't do it.
All reasonable concerns, but my feeling is that if you aren't satisfied with the status of the franchise you might as well roll the dice and give someone else a shot.

When does all of this end? If Kubes goes 9-7 or 8-8 next year and misses the playoffs do we keep him for yet another year after that?
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Gruden won a SB with Brad Johnson as QB.

When he had a good QB (Gannon) in Oakland he stuck with him. Schaub=Gruden. IMHO

Understand what you're saying about Cowher. But with his NFL connections should be able to build a successful putting a organization.

Billick while I agree with you. Billick was smart enough to ride the back of one of the best defenses of all time to a SB and several playoff appearances by running a consrevative offense, It's called playing to your strengths.

Unlike Kubiak for example running Foster 19 times in the 1st half and scoring 17 pts. The not playing to your strenghts (5 Carries) in the 2nd half and losing.

Billick knew with that defense ball control was the way to go. Nut I can see how he gets a bad rep. by people who dont look more deeply into his tenure with the Ravens.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I didn't deflect anything. I have made plain in this thread and others that I don't like Gruden and think he would be a downgrade. Billick looks like maybe a push with less success in his area of expertise so what is the point. Cowher I said I was cool with except for a couple concerns which was not to say don't do it.


Sorry, head back off to Anybody But Kubiak land. I don't believe the anybody part.
I look at all 3 as a major upgrade. to varying degrees. These 3 guys aren't anybody but Kubiak. How would you compare Kubiak to any of these 3?

Thanks for the dialogue.
 

STEEL BLUE TEXANS

Hall of Fame
Gruden won a SB with Brad Johnson as QB.

When he had a good QB (Gannon) in Oakland he stuck with him. Schaub=Gruden. IMHO

Understand what you're saying about Cowher. But with his NFL connections should be able to build a successful putting a organization.

Billick while I agree with you. Billick was smart enough to ride the back of one of the best defenses of all time to a SB and several playoff appearances by running a consrevative offense, It's called playing to your strengths.

Unlike Kubiak for example running Foster 19 times in the 1st half and scoring 17 pts. The not playing to your strenghts (5 Carries) in the 2nd half and losing.

Billick knew with that defense ball control was the way to go. Nut I can see how he gets a bad rep. by people who dont look more deeply into his tenure with the Ravens.

Billick would have repeated too had Jamal Lewis not tore his ACL during the preseason.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Texans might end the season with a 6-10 record (same record Kubiak started with)
Yep

And around and around we go.

Cant believe Smith is going to get to keep his job. But with McNair it realy should't suprise anybody. I guess
 
Sorry, but I think that's a load of crap. You guys use terms like sheeple, stupid etc. for the people that don't agree with your opinions.

Actually, you may not mind people disagreeing with you, but you damn sure blast them for it.
Again: Dale and I have had respectful debates about this via private messaging. He and I have agreed to disagree with no animosity. I have no problem with people who disagree with me, and I don't blast anyone for it. But I will argue that people should stand behind what they say.
 

drs23

Veteran
Yep

And around and around we go.

Cant believe Smith is going to get to keep his job. But with McNair it realy should't suprise anybody. I guess
But there's always AFTER next year!

I can imagine McNair getting through this season taking the heat, making some bold moves shaking up the D coaching staff (insert Wade) not too long after the season ends. He rides out the possible CBA lockout. If they settle the CBA and a normal (or 18 game) schedule goes off then he has an interim coach on the sidelines already. If there's a 6th year of fail Wade gets promoted til the end of the season then he cleans house. Seems to me like the way he would do things.
 
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