Which is a clear indicator that Kubiak doesn't know how to get this team consistently focused. He may have complained, but they clearly didn't listen or respond. You guys can keep bringing up SMith and Shanahan, but Kubiak is the head coach and he is the one that needs to go. At best the Texans will go 8-8 this year and it will be once again another season where they don't go over 500. There have been several teams now that have had winning seasons since Kubiak has been here and the same ole "Wait until next year" song remains intact. I've got no confidence in this guy's abilities to lead this team to a SB. He'll eventually get them to a first round playoff debut since Mcnair will give him an eternity to coach this team, but he doesn't have what it takes to be a great head coach in the NFL. He is a stop gap coach that is average at best.
In order for Kubiak to prove that he is a quality head coach, the guy needs to prove that he can assemble an NFL quality coaching staff. If he can FIRE RICHARD SMITH, and hire the best DC available, AND get a short yardage back, I think alot of the problems will go away.
My biggest problem with Kubiak has been the quality of his coaching staff and the seeming inability to improve the situation since he's been here. Gibbs is a talisman he can't point to but that is about it. Smith's defense is just embarassing at times and Shanny/Kube's offense, though prolific, has trouble scoring touchdowns in the red zone and has failed time and time again in short yardage situations.
I am willing to give Kubiak a chance in 2009 but if there is someone out there who is better (Cowher anyone?), why not make the phone call. If Gary hears about it, screw it. It may light a fire under his arse and he may realize that tough decisions need to be made or his arse is gone. I think McNair is going to be going to the 'we have a budget and times are tough' card like Uncle Drayton pretty soon.
He is already bringing up his partnership with Reliant Energy possibly ending but that is only a drop in the bucket compared to the TV money that his team receives. He needs to realize that to make money, you have to win and get home playoff games. That is where you make money and improve your franchise's value. 3rd Rate Free Agents and bottom of the barrel coaching has already been proven that it doesnt work.
Please prove me wrong Mr. McNair. You want a winning offseason? Do the following.
Fire Richard Smith and anyone who has a problem with it, fire them too
Hire Gregg Williams or other qualified candidate as DC
Bring in a bigger back to share the load with Slaton and to run short yardage
Have a good draft (this is a very deep class at many positions of need/lack depth)
(Optional)
Get rid of the 'First Down' tradition over the loudspeakers at the game. If fans want to keep doing it themselves, it would not be as lame and staged. Why are we celebrating first downs anyway? Sometimes its appropriate but when your getting blown out and you get a meaningless first down, do we really need to be instructed to yell 'First Down'?
Oh and that 'Football Time In Houston' song needs to be put out to pasture. I am sure the players absolutely hate it. It sounds like a cheap Local News anthem and is a shining example of what is WRONG with country music today.
FIRE RICHARD SMITH!
