Coaches on your radar

We've got a tough schedule this year and it looks pretty grim for our coaching staff. I guess I might be a little late, but who do you like to see as coaches for the Texans?

I like:

Head Coach

• Al Saunders - KC Offensive Coordinator - Saunders has presided over the NFL’s most prolific scoring offense over the last four seasons. During that span, no NFL team has registered more points than the 1,754 accumulated by the Chiefs, an average of 27.4 ppg.
• Jeff Tedford- Cal's head coach won his second Pac-10 Coach of the Year award in three seasons in 2004, as voted by his peers, marking the first time a Cal coach has won the award twice in his career. One of six finalists for the 2004 Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award, Tedford was rewarded with a new five-year contract by Cal on Dec. 6. Last year's team chiseled out the best regular-season record at the university since Pappy Waldorf's 1950 team registered a 9-0-1 mark
• Mike Zimmer - In 11 NFL seasons - four as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator - Mike Zimmer has established himself as one of the league's top assistant coaches. Six times in his 11 seasons, the Dallas defense finished the year ranked in the top 10 in total defense, and seven times the club ranked in the top 10 in pass defense.

Offensive Coordinator

• Terry Shea- KC QB Coach - Owning an extensive offensive resume with 35 years of coaching experience, Shea comes from the coaching family tree of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh and has been particularly adept at grooming players at the quarterback position during his distinguished coaching career. We need more of a West Coast offense with the players we have.
• Jim Zorn - Seattle QB Coach - Zorn has proven his fundamental guidance with the development of Pro Bowler Matt Hasselbeck who set a franchise record with 3,841 passing yards in 2003. Hasselbeck has become the franchise’s most-efficient passer (83.7 rating) while joining Zorn as the only franchise quarterback to pass for 3000-plus yards in three consecutive seasons.
• Jim Caldwell - Colts Asst Head Coach enters his first season as assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach of the Colts after serving the prior three seasons as the club’s quarterbacks coach. Caldwell joined Indianapolis from Tampa Bay, where he served in the same capacity during the 2001 season. Caldwell assists in an offense that has had one of the most successful passing attacks in the NFL over the past six years

Defensive Coordinator

• Darren Perry Pittsburch - Defensive Backs Coach - He's one of the best up and coming coaches. A good QB on the defensive side of the ball when he was a player, doing well with young talent now.
• Pepper Johnson - New England Defensive Line coach - helped upgrade the line for the Patriots and coached through many positional player changes.
• Mike Tomlin Tampa Bay - DB Coach - Enters his fifth season with the Buccaneers as the defensive backs coach. During his four-year tenure, the Buccaneers defense has ranked in the top five in the NFL in total defense three times while ranking in the top five in pass defense all four seasons, including number one rankings in 2002 and 2004. In 2002, Tomlin’s top-ranked secondary recorded four of Tampa Bay’s five INTs, returning two for TDs, in Super Bowl XXXVII as his unit helped lead Tampa Bay to its first world championship.

IF we got a new coach... thats a pretty big IF....... I think Capers is still here.

Gary Kubiak OC Denver Broncos
Jim Johnson DC Philadelphia Eagles

Out of College ranks ...
Frank Beamer HC - Virginia Tech
Mark Richt HC - Georgia

outofhnd said:

IF we got a new coach... thats a pretty big IF....... I think Capers is still here.

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No way Capers is here in 06 (as HC anyhow). Hell, I'm beginning to wonder if he'll make it through October. Just my miserable

I don't see Capers here. Media is already talking about Tice and Norv Turner being on the hot seat, but at least they have won a game. I still say we need to bring in Kubiak. I think he could do wonders with our offense as far as AJ, Carr, and DD. We need a DC too though.

I am tending to drift to the Kubiak line of thought (along with most folks) but something that SESupergenius brought up struck me as a pretty good idea...Tedford.

I actually think you try and bring Tedford in as the OC (big assumption that he would settle for OC not HC). Carr would be in a system that he is infinetly more comfortable with and have and immediate rappaport with the coach.

Just a thought.

Yes you may be right, Tedford is making about $1.5 million a year, to lure him he'd have to make that either $2 or $2.5 million. To put it in perspective, Chow makes $900k as the OC with the Titans. Maybe a head coaching job would be better suited.

Carrol for GM & Jerry Gray as coach

All that being said the one name that I am really holding out hope for (ie. not likely to happen) is that McNair coaxes Jimmy Johnson out of retirement much in the same way that Jones "reeled" in the Tuna.

The obvious bonus is that you have a proven coach with SB victories under his belt and is considered by many to be one of the top talent evaluators to come along in recent memory. Some folks will point to his lack of sucess (read that not winning SBs) in Miami...but he constructed the core of one of the most effective defenses in the league for the last decade from his aquisitions.

The likelyhood that Johnson will come back is probably very low (10% or so) but if I were king for a day that's who I would go after.

I think the leading candidate, from my limited viewpoint, is probably Gary Kubiak. Local guy, great rep, offensive minded...young and hungry. I am a big proponent of the young excited HC, see Jim Mora Jr. and Mike Nolan. I think that is a great mix and change off pace for the team as is stands right now. I have said it before and I will say it again here that we need to bring in a top shelf OC/QB developer and my number choice is Sam Wyche.

The one thing I learned from playing ball for years is that the best coaches make their systems work FOR their players, not make players work for the system. Look at Parcells...he is the biggest proponet of the 3-4 but he knew he didn't have the right personnel so he doesn't go with it until he is comfortable with the players he has. I am not specifically referring to our team and it's defensive set (if you can call it that)...just an example of a trait I would look for in a HC. I tend to think that younger guys are much more willing to change and adapt and right now that's what these guys need along with a visible and enthusiastic leader to get them pointed in the right direction.

Look for us to make plays at these coaches.

Head Coaches.
Gary Kubiak- OC Denver- Hometown guy who has done wonders with Jake Plummer.
Mike Zimmer- DC Dallas- The guy knows defense and is a discipline oriented guy
Greg Knapp- OC Atlanta- Considered one of the top young offensive minds
Al Saunders- OC KC- A longshot since he will likely get the KC job when Vermeil retires
Donnie Henderson- DC Jets- A great leader and soon to have a HC job somewhere
Cam Cameron- OC SD- The guy has done wonders with what they have there he is getting some serious pub right now as a great teacher for QBs and offenses
OC
Rick Dennison- OL coach Denver- Kubiak's running mate and we need someone to coach the line Kubiak will likely handle playcalling
Brian Shottenheimer- OB coach SD- Young Shotte has all the coaching intagibles of his pops
Terry Shea- mentioned above
DCoordinator
Pepper Johnson- mentioned above
John Hoke- DB coach Texans- The only guy that is likely safe this season. Firey leader that holds his people accountable. Just walk by their meeting room on film day.
Mike Tomlin- mentioned above

These guys will probably garner some interest from the other 6-8 teams making coaching changes at the top levels also. If we are smart we will lock down Kubiak, his buddy Dennison, Hoke for DC, and keep our special teams coach or chase a guy like Al Everest from the Saints. Or bring in a young coordinator from College ball for the job. Also look for us to go after some of the top executives that will be losing their jobs this offseason. Pat Moriarty comes to mind from Baltimore. He is the vice president of operations and we know how well they draft and handle the cap.

SESupergenius said:

Yes you may be right, Tedford is making about $1.5 million a year, to lure him he'd have to make that either $2 or $2.5 million. To put it in perspective, Chow makes $900k as the OC with the Titans. Maybe a head coaching job would be better suited.

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Tedford is a far better coach than most realize, but I think you have to decide what kind of football you want to play. If you are looking for a running game style then probably Kubiack is who you want. If you want a passing game then Tedford is the coach. He's a QB's best friend. He has had great success at developing QB's and was a very good QB in his own right who knew how to throw the long ball. Carr played under Tedford and almost went to Oregon with him. Tedford tuitored Harrington up there. When Tedford was asked locally whether he would like to move on, he said no he didn't have an interest in the NFL. I hope that's not the case, because I would like to see what he could do in the NFL. Once again, he knows how to get the most out of a QB and he has a record of winning a lot without a lot of talent. He knows what he's doing and he is a gentleman. I think Houston fans would be won over in a hurry by this man. He just gets so much out of all of his players. He beat SC in his 1st year at CAL when he had nothing. Again do not under estimate the ability of this guy to coach..........

Kubiak? omg, please. Great idea, why not just hire Slocumb (/sarcasm off)

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from www.denverbroncos.com...yeah, Kubiak would be a horrible choice

Kubiak, who owns three Super Bowl rings, is one of just 15 NFL coaches to win a Super Bowl with two different franchises (San Francisco, 1994) and one of just nine to win a title with a team from each conference.

The Broncos have produced the National Football League's No. 1 offense twice during Kubiak's tenure (1996-97)—a first in franchise history—and have ranked in the top three overall in six of his 10 seasons: No. 2 in 2000 and No. 3 in 1995, 1998 and 2002 in addition to the two No. 1 rankings. The total offensive numbers produced in Kubiak's first eight years at the controls mark the most prolific eight-year totals in club annals.
The Broncos set new single-season standards for touchdowns and points scored in three consecutive seasons from 1996-98 and posted new records for yards per rush in both 1997 and '98. Denver has also scored 30 or more points in a game 68 times (including four times in postseason) in the 171 regular and postseason games since Kubiak's hire. In the 10 years that Kubiak has been at the controls of the Denver offense, the club has accumulated the most rushing yards (22,483) along with the second most points (4,045) and total yards (58,469) in the NFL.
Denver has had 26 Pro Bowl selections from the offensive side of the football in Kubiak's 10 seasons as offensive coordinator and is the only team in NFL history to produce a 3,000-yard passer (John Elway), a 1,500-yard rusher (Terrell Davis) and a 1,000-yard receiver (Shannon Sharpe, '96 and '97; Rod Smith, '97) two years in a row, doing so in 1996 and '97.

During the 1994 season, Kubiak coached the league's most dominant quarterback, Steve Young, in San Francisco as its offensive coordinator. Young not only led the 49ers to a victory in Super Bowl XXIX, but he also earned Super Bowl MVP honors, as well as the NFL's MVP award, besides setting numerous passing records during the campaign. He also became the NFL's all-time passer-rating leader and the first quarterback to lead the league in passing four years in a row.

Before his year in San Francisco, Kubiak coached the running backs at his alma mater, Texas A&M, from 1992-93. During his two seasons, the Aggies posted a record of 22-3 and played in back-to-back Cotton Bowls. His star pupil at A&M was Greg Hill, a first-round pick by Kansas City in 1994. Hill was second-team All-American as a junior (The Sporting News) and first-team All-Southwest Conference, as well as an All-SWC pick as a senior by the Dallas Morning News, despite missing four games. He rushed for 2,046 yards and 21 touchdowns in Kubiak's two years at College Station.

The ideal situation would be to replace Casserole and a good talent evaluating GM. Bring in Kubiak, and keep Dom Capers at the defensive coordinator if he would stay. He's proven to be top DC but has failed as a HC.

What's the knock on Kubiak ? As the O coardinator of a relatively successful franchise that has multiple SB trophies in contempory times, he's been around quite awhile by now but still hasn't made HC anyplace. What's his
problem ? Gotta be something. C'mon, where's the dirt, the skeletons in the closet. And don't say he doesn't want to be a HC, I'm not buyin that.

People need to either learn or remember that Pete Carroll was a crappy HC when he was in the NFL.

I would love to see Jim Caldwell in here as the OC. His expereince with the Indy offense would make him someone of interest.

outofhnd said:

IF we got a new coach... thats a pretty big IF....... I think Capers is still here.

Gary Kubiak OC Denver Broncos
Jim Johnson DC Philadelphia Eagles

Out of College ranks ...
Frank Beamer HC - Virginia Tech
Mark Richt HC - Georgia

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There are only a few things McNair could do to make me abandon the Texans until he comes to his senses but keeping Dom Capers is at the top of the list so I hope your prediction is wrong or I may have to get rid of all the guns and sharp instruments in my house.

My "top 5" wish list HC candidates are (in order of most wanted not most likely):

(1) Jeff Fisher - players really play hard for this guy, took his team to within two yards of a superbowl and even though we have some serious rebuilding to do like the Titans...Bud Adams vs. Bob McNair....any questions?
(2) Herm Edwards
(3) Mike Martz
(4) Gary Kubiak
(5) Sam Wyche

However, the above assumes that we get a new GM as well because even Parcells, Grueden or Belichick could not overcome some of our moves (PBuch, Hollings, Babin, passing on Jason Witten as our TE to take Joppru, and Wade and Riley as what you have to show for 4 years of free agent OL upgrades)

Contrary to Casserly's famous quote, Mel Kiper and his "scouts" can pick NFL talent better than Casserly and his have.

Thats it.

Once the WS is done, hire Phil Gardner for a brief stint with the Texans. Hopefully he can lead us to the promised land.

Kubiak HC
Hoke DC
Shea-OC

One coach that will be available in the off season that nobody has mentioned is Fassel. I don't see McNair going after him, but he will be available as will Billick by the looks of things.

I think that Billick remains safe is they find a way to keep winning games. Fassel is not going to be happy as a OC and is likely searching for options at HC. Look for him to be high on the Raiders wish list.

I just can't seem to imagine Fassel and Moss getting along.

I don't want to see Capers anywhere near this team, as DC or waterboy.

Not saying we should hire this guy as our HC, but Cold Pizza was just talking about how Mike Singletary is interested in head coaching and if the right head coaching position is offered he would seriously consider it.

fassel is an interesting choice...he did lead the giants lead by kerry collins...previous number one pick by capers to a superbowl...he made collins into a much more consistant qb...the only thing is his team quit on him his last year as the HC of the giants...but then again look at all the bs he had to go through with that team

I also wouldn't mind giving Dick Lebeau another shot. I couldn't tell you what went wrong when he was coaching the Bengals, but all I can guess is that, well, it was the Bengals. Mike Brown I think was calling the shots up until Lewis was hired and Lebeau really hasn't had a chance anywhere else. He's a defensive mastermind and a great coach. I think he deserves another shot considering his defenses are always ranked at the top. He just got an unfair shake in Cincy, as well as every other coach, no coach has had a winning season since 1991, the year Mike Brown took over.

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2004/10/01/bengals1001.html

I think the new coach should have an offensive background . We spent the #1 overall pick on a QB and a high #1 on a WR . We extended our RBs contract and we may pick an OL with our next high #1 pick . We need an Offensive guru bad .

I think Jimmy Johnson's a good coach ... I also think he had his 15 minutes with the Cowboys . Unless we can get a Hershel Walker like deal for Babin .

Since everybody wants to eliminate the entire coaching staff.

Who would you want to hire as the Head Coach?

Go ahead and fill in for any other positions as well.

I would try to hire Mark Richt from Georgia, he's young and when it comes to play calling, he's brilliant. He learned under one of the best, Bobbie Bowden, and I think he's eager for a shot at the NFL.

AlbinoRat said:

Since everybody wants to eliminate the entire coaching staff.

Who would you want to hire as the Head Coach?

Go ahead and fill in for any other positions as well.

I would try to hire Mark Richt from Georgia, he's young and when it comes to play calling, he's brilliant. He learned under one of the best, Bobbie Bowden, and I think he's eager for a shot at the NFL.

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Here's a thread on the subject with some opinions...http://www.houstontexans.com/fan_zone/messageboards/showthread.php?t=13613

It will never happen but MIKE LEACH, even though they got blasted by Texas that spread offense is fun to watch. We need an offensive minded coach that will come up with multiple formations, not the same crap we run every game.

My vote for a new head coach is CHARLIE WEIS. It was reported on the NFL Network that there is a buy-out clause in his contract and that is only 1.5 million. Weis has the SB rings as OC and has done a great job at Notre Dame so far. I'd love to see McNair go after thi s guy.

Honoring Earl 34 said:

I think the new coach should have an offensive background . We spent the #1 overall pick on a QB and a high #1 on a WR . We extended our RBs contract and we may pick an OL with our next high #1 pick . We need an Offensive guru bad .

I think Jimmy Johnson's a good coach ... I also think he had his 15 minutes with the Cowboys . Unless we can get a Hershel Walker like deal for Babin .

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Mike Leach from Texas Tech would be perfect.

Well after the Bench or Fire DD post,I figured this was more realistic.

I agree

HC candidates:

Charlie Weis
Gary Kubiak
Jimmy Johnson

I am 99% sure Weis isn't leaving Notre Dame after signing a contract extension, Kubiak all the way baby!

Really this is the only thread on this wonderful site I'm interested in. We can bash the players all we want but its really the coaching thats a hindrance. I mean look at Dallas before and after Parcells showed up. The right coaching can bring out the talent in decent players and have them play well together as a team. We've got talent all over this team.... proven talent either from the college level or past nfl experience. ITS THE DAMN COACHING THAT KEEPS THE TEAM OFF TARGET.

That being said the SMART HC acquisition can turn this team from its dismal wash of an 05' season right back into playoff contention next year or the year after. Hey it can happen.

Go :astros:

Bayern said:

Really this is the only thread on this wonderful site I'm interested in. We can bash the players all we want but its really the coaching thats a hindrance. I mean look at Dallas before and after Parcells showed up. The right coaching can bring out the talent in decent players and have them play well together as a team. We've got talent all over this team.... proven talent either from the college level or past nfl experience. ITS THE DAMN COACHING THAT KEEPS THE TEAM OFF TARGET.

That being said the SMART HC acquisition can turn this team from its dismal wash of an 05' season right back into playoff contention next year or the year after. Hey it can happen.

Go :astros:

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Yeah it almost seemed like yesterday Capers took a 7-0 lead and tried to sit on it, and our team cannot play catch up. I have been bashed by a few for wanting Kubiak, but I think with the right draft, and 1 or 2 pickups in free agency, Kubiak could turn our offense into something special.

Mike Martz!

In this order

Jeff Fisher (Titans)
Jimmy Johnson (retired)
Kirk Ferentz (Iowa)
Gary Kubiak (Broncos)
Jerry Gray (Buffalo)


I wouldn't hire:

Mike Martz
Brian Billick
Mike Tice
Norv Turner
Jeff Tedford
Jim Fassell
Wade Phillips
Jim Johnson
Pete Carroll

I wouldn't mind Jim Fassel, at least as an OC, not sure about a HC. I personally would prefer to see us get an NFL coach rather than bringing someone up from college that has never coached/had some kind of success in the NFL before. We need an OC that will pass the ball more and spread out the field rather than running max-protect stuff (an upgraded OL for protection would be necessary), a DC that will put more pressure on the QB by blitzing more and doing more creative and less predictable things (a second good man-to-man corner would be needed as well as another pass rusher), and a HC that will pull all of them together, motivate the team, hold people accountable, develop the young talent we have, and make smarter personnel decisions, so whoever fits those qualifications best. I still like Hoke and Oden as DB coaches, London as DL coach, Chick as RB coach and Kippy as WR coach, and I think Marciano has done a good job with special teams, especially this year.

Kubiak is my #1 choice.

Gray,Ferentz,Fisher and Saunders would also be ok.

Jim Johnson (Eagles DC) would be ok for Defensive Coordinator.

and LMAO @ anyone who wants Martz.

I definitely wouldn't mind whoever the Steelers DC is, Johnson (Eagles), or Kiffin (Buccaneers) as DC, but I doubt any of them would leave their teams for anything less than a HC job. I don't really want Martz and I don't think he would leave the Rams unless they ax him. Maybe Kubiak, at least as an OC, or maybe the Colts OC (Tom Moore?). I admittedly don't know enough about many coaches that would be available though so I can't really say anyone specific other than these few. I also wouldn't mind us brining in Jerry Rice as a WR coach if he was interested in the offer.

nunusguy said:

What's the knock on Kubiak ? As the O coardinator of a relatively successful franchise that has multiple SB trophies in contempory times, he's been around quite awhile by now but still hasn't made HC anyplace. What's his
problem ? Gotta be something. C'mon, where's the dirt, the skeletons in the closet. And don't say he doesn't want to be a HC, I'm not buyin that.

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My thoughts exactly. I believe he was looked at by the Texans when Capers was hired. I read he has been in the running for other HC jobs too, just don't ask me which ones.
Maybe he just doesn't interview well...

cac:

cuppacoffee said:

My thoughts exactly. I believe he was looked at by the Texans when Capers was hired. I read he has been in the running for other HC jobs too, just don't ask me which ones.
Maybe he just doesn't interview well...

cac:

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He is not a great interview, but he has turned down at least 2 other HC jobs in the past. He wants to coach in Texas. His first two choices are Houston and College Station.

ThaShark316 said:

and LMAO @ anyone who wants Martz.

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DITTO, and also anyone who wants Ditka.
That crazy old goat is one hard sneeze from senility...