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Texans hire Alex Gibbs...promote Shanihan to OC

Texans coach Gary Kubiak is trying to hire Alex Gibbs as assistant head coach to replace Mike Sherman.

Gibbs, who would not be the offensive coordinator, was an assistant under head coaches Dan Reeves and Mike Shanahan when Kubiak was a player and assistant coach with the Denver Broncos.

"Alex is one of the best coaches I've ever seen," Kubiak said today. "He raised me as an offensive coordinator with the Broncos. I wouldn't be sitting here today if not for Alex, a coach that showed me a lot of tough love. He taught me so much about the game, and I know what he can do for our team if we're fortunate enough to get him."

Gibbs, who is regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in NFL history, spent 13 years with the Broncos, including nine (1995-2003) as assistant head coach under Shanahan.

Gibbs was supposed to retire after the 2003 season, but Atlanta coach Jim Mora lured him out of retirement. He was an assistant with the Falcons from 2004-06 before retiring for the second time. He was out of football last season.

Kubiak is looking for an offensive coordinator to replace Sherman, who was assistant head coach/offensive coordinator before Texas A&M hired him as head coach

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5438034.html
 
Didn't we go after him before?
I don't think so. I think what you are remembering is everyone wanted Gibbs here right after the year that Carr took 70 something sacks, so that he could fix the o-line.

I hope they sign him and in my opinion, it would be an upgrade over Sherman as the o-line coach.
 

mexican_texan

Furry Tractors
I don't think so. I think what you are remembering is everyone wanted Gibbs here right after the year that Carr took 70 something sacks, so that he could fix the o-line.

I hope they sign him and in my opinion, it would be an upgrade over Sherman as the o-line coach.
He's better than Sherman without a doubt.
 

awtysst

Draft Guru
Not only is he better than Sherman, but he and Kubiack actually speak the same language. Both are Zone blocking scheme guys instead of a zone blocking/power running combo.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Not only is he better than Sherman, but he and Kubiack actually speak the same language. Both are Zone blocking scheme guys instead of a zone blocking/power running combo.
Exactly.........an end to the confusing push me pull you dilemma the Texans have been demonstrating.............
 

Texans_Chick

Utopian Dreamer
If signed the Oline will probably breathe a sigh of relief.
The good news is that he very much improved the running game in ATL, so the Texans would actually do more running.

The bad news for the line is that there were reports that he was crazed about weight numbers for linemen. After he left, a few of them said that the linemen would do nutty things to make weight because they feared getting their playing time taken away by Gibbs if they didn't make weight. So they would starve themselves before weigh-ins. And then, when they are playing against big d-linemen felt overmatched.

Other reports suggest if a guy can move, then Gibbs doesn't care how much they weigh.

All told, if they can hire him, I think it would be a good move. I also like the idea that he would be an assistant head coach but not the OC, because basically he is on the same page as Kubiak and would be a Kubiak helper. And then if he wants to retire again, it would not be like we would have to get another OC. And anything to help the running game would be a good thing. Gibbs is supposed to be very loud and emphatic during practices, a very good teacher.

Here's my write up: Houston Texans Trying to Lure Alex Gibbs Out of Retirement

Has some links and opinion in it. And I digression about the defensive side of the ball getting some guru attention too.
 

Mr. White

Retired OLine Coach
I'd love to have the guy on board. His success is well-documented.

I cringe to think of what the transition to a real ZBS might be like if they decide to change the scheme.
 

Texans_Chick

Utopian Dreamer
I don't think so. I think what you are remembering is everyone wanted Gibbs here right after the year that Carr took 70 something sacks, so that he could fix the o-line.

I hope they sign him and in my opinion, it would be an upgrade over Sherman as the o-line coach.
Yes, the Texans went after him when he was in ATL. He ended up staying in ATL as a consultant. Then when Mora got canned, that relationship ended because Petrino was going back to a power game. So, Gibbs wasn't in football at all last year.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
A healthy AJ, less QB sacks, a mobile QB and maybe a ground game? Lions, tigers and bears! Oh my. I feel like Dorothy entering the land of make believe. I hope I don't have to wake up in September 08. Now if Oz (Richard Smith)....
 

Mr. White

Retired OLine Coach
The bad news for the line is that there were reports that he was crazed about weight numbers for linemen.
When Kubes took over, there was little doubt that this would be a ZBS offense. I remember a Chester Pitts interview on 610 a couple of years ago and all the talk was about how Kubiak had all of them on diets so they could be effective zone blockers.

Somewhere along the line, Mike Sherman mentioned that they also use his own power-blocking scheme. Then it seems like that's all they use, despite the media saying otherwise.

Like I said further up the thread....if Gibbs comes in and changes the system, it ain't gonna be pretty.
 

Wolf

100% Texan

Texans_Chick

Utopian Dreamer
When Kubes took over, there was little doubt that this would be a ZBS offense. I remember a Chester Pitts interview on 610 a couple of years ago and all the talk was about how Kubiak had all of them on diets so they could be effective zone blockers.

Somewhere along the line, Mike Sherman mentioned that they also use his own power-blocking scheme. Then it seems like that's all they use, despite the media saying otherwise.

Like I said further up the thread....if Gibbs comes in and changes the system, it ain't gonna be pretty.
When Kubiak first took over, they were fined per pound for not making weight. The most effective looking blocker that year was Charles Spencer, the only guy who didn't make the weight requirements. Spencer, as I understood how things went, was a Mike Sherman pick.

I'm not sure that it would be too ugly changing the system as there is some familiarity with it already. I worry about what the Texans could do at center though as Flanagan seemed to struggle with the ZBS and McKinney is coming off of knee surgery.

ATL didn't seem to have many transitional issues with improving their running game. And the best years at Denver offensively were ones where Gibbs was with them.
 

tulexan

Hall of Fame
When Kubiak first took over, they were fined per pound for not making weight. The most effective looking blocker that year was Charles Spencer, the only guy who didn't make the weight requirements. Spencer, as I understood how things went, was a Mike Sherman pick.

I'm not sure that it would be too ugly changing the system as there is some familiarity with it already. I worry about what the Texans could do at center though as Flanagan seemed to struggle with the ZBS and McKinney is coming off of knee surgery.

ATL didn't seem to have many transitional issues with improving their running game. And the best years at Denver offensively were ones where Gibbs was with them.
Interesting that we brought Eslinger in at the end of the season, a former Bronco C who has experience in the ZBS.
 

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
When Kubiak first took over, they were fined per pound for not making weight.
Weird conflicting info. I know you got that directly from someone with the team, but Chester Pitts on 610 am one time said he was never given a specific weight he had to reach or be fined.
 

Texans_Chick

Utopian Dreamer
Weird conflicting info. I know you got that directly from someone with the team, but Chester Pitts on 610 am one time said he was never given a specific weight he had to reach or be fined.
Yeah, McKinney downplayed the weight thing too when Kubiak first came over.

I heard it from a couple sources with the team.

Maybe it only applied to a few guys on the line.
 

nunusguy

Hall of Fame
Interesting that we brought Eslinger in at the end of the season, a former Bronco C who has experience in the ZBS.
A clear indication that Smith is signing ZB lineman because Kubiak wants to go that way, and with the latest move on Gibbs it clinches it that's his very strong preference. Now of course he may not end up getting Gibbs and have
to compromise with the schemes that a different OC might prefer, like with
Sherman.
 

drewmar74

disgruntled
A clear indication that Smith is signing ZB lineman because Kubiak wants to go that way, and with the latest move on Gibbs it clinches it that's his very strong preference. Now of course he may not end up getting Gibbs and have
to compromise with the schemes that a different OC might prefer, like with
Sherman.
DON'T SAY THAT! HE'S COMING! HE ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY HAS TO SIGN ON!

Seriously, I said more than once this year that the O-line just looked like the lacked a mean streak. I'm hoping that Gibbs can help get them that inherent nastiness that I think you need to play in the trenches.
 

b0ng

Bad Hombre
To me this just indicates that Kubiak is moving away from a hybrid system that we were using earlier this year. I know Spencer doesn't fit the mold of ZBS guy, but I'm sure having one 340 lb offensive lineman will be good.

I think we are going to see a lot more of the Denver system next year, especially if we are able to land Alex Gibbs. Either way, these developments do not concern me, which is good!

I don't remember offseasons being anything bug a rollercoaster when the former regime was in charge. Is my memory being selective again?
 

Hardcore Texan

Magnet Man
Not only does this thread have a lot of good discussion and content, but the proper timing and use of youtube videos really push it into that upper echelon of oustanding. :)
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
I know I'm in the minority but I thought for the first time in Texans history the team, including the offensive line was coached up & played as well as possible given the talent, injurys & experience levels.

Regarding Gibbs if thats who Kubiak wants & it helps improve continuity its a no brainer :cool:
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
DON'T SAY THAT! HE'S COMING! HE ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY HAS TO SIGN ON!

Seriously, I said more than once this year that the O-line just looked like the lacked a mean streak. I'm hoping that Gibbs can help get them that inherent nastiness that I think you need to play in the trenches.
Kasey Studdard and my hopeful LT Alex Boone have a streak of nastiness and could benefit. See my thread BOONE, BOONE, BOONE! for recent Sports Illustrated article on Ohio State LT that looked good in Ohio State's recent loss to LSU.
 

drewmar74

disgruntled
Kasey Studdard and my hopeful LT Alex Boone have a streak of nastiness and could benefit. See my thread BOONE, BOONE, BOONE! for recent Sports Illustrated article on Ohio State LT that looked good in Ohio State's recent loss to LSU.
I'll go check it out. I recall reading about Studdard playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder but he saw such limited action that it was hard to get a feel for his motor.
 

Specnatz

Hall of Fame
Not to throw ice water on everyone, but I have a question. Joe Gibbs is leaving the Redskins mainly for family reasons, I have heard one of the grand kids has luekemia. Should I infer that it is not one of Alex's children?
 

Errant Hothy

Hypermediocrity
Not to throw ice water on everyone, but I have a question. Joe Gibbs is leaving the Redskins mainly for family reasons, I have heard one of the grand kids has luekemia. Should I infer that it is not one of Alex's children?
There is no relation between Joe's and Alex's families.
 

Texans_Chick

Utopian Dreamer
DON'T SAY THAT! HE'S COMING! HE ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY HAS TO SIGN ON!

Seriously, I said more than once this year that the O-line just looked like the lacked a mean streak. I'm hoping that Gibbs can help get them that inherent nastiness that I think you need to play in the trenches.
Matt at DGDB&D has a commenter who said he works at a restaurant where Kubiak, Gibbs and Smith met. Kubiak had a big smile on his face.

See, now this thread is nearly complete. YouTubes and blog gossip comments.
 

eriadoc

Texan-American
All I have done for years now is preach O-line. An Alex Gibbs hire would make me the happiest with the Texans that I have been since 19-10.
 

HOU-TEX

Ah, Football!
Matt at DGDB&D has a commenter who said he works at a restaurant where Kubiak, Gibbs and Smith met. Kubiak had a big smile on his face.

See, now this thread is nearly complete. YouTubes and blog gossip comments.
Pardon my ignorance, but what does this stand for? I'd like to check it out if allowed. I've seen you mention it before, but now I'm curious. :cool:
 

Errant Hothy

Hypermediocrity
Matt at DGDB&D has a commenter who said he works at a restaurant where Kubiak, Gibbs and Smith met. Kubiak had a big smile on his face.

See, now this thread is nearly complete. YouTubes and blog gossip comments.
Add to that one of McClain's comments in his latest blog:
{Scott, I think Gibbs is coming, and the deal will be done soon. -- JOHN}
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Matt at DGDB&D has a commenter who said he works at a restaurant where Kubiak, Gibbs and Smith met. Kubiak had a big smile on his face.

See, now this thread is nearly complete. YouTubes and blog gossip comments.
At least these comments get to where I can see and enjoy them.
 
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