Texans contact Lovie Smith

[CGI_Ram]

I was surprised to see the Texans fire Kubiak before the end of the season... but now it makes a little sense. They get a jump on everyone, first dibs so to speak, on potential candidates.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...vie-smith-already-contacted-by-houston-texans

The Houston Texans aren't wasting time in their search for a new head coach.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay First" that, while the Texans "are getting their ducks in a row, trying to figure out where they're going to proceed," contact already has been made with at least one potential candidate to replace the fired Gary Kubiak.

Houston's decision-makers have spoken with former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith, a source with knowledge of the team's thinking told Rapoport. We knew that was coming after Texans owner Bob McNair told reporters last week that Smith was in the mix.

The Texans have hired noted consultant Jed Hughes to lead their search. Rapoport reported that Houston is not going to hire a coach immediately because a handful of coordinators with playoff-bound teams are on the team's radar.

The Texans are looking for a veteran NFL coach with a track record of experience. Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio -- who impressed as Denver's interim coach -- and former Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, now offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, fit the mold, per Rapoport.

Meanwhile, Jon Gruden is a name to keep an eye on. Rapoport was told by someone close to the ESPN analyst that Gruden, as always, only will consider a perfect situation for his return to the league.

 

[BonifayRam]

Good spot for Lovie Smith he is a good guy. He will need a QB to go with a new OC to work with him. The OL needs some help too.

Really surprised to see the Texans drop so far like the Falcons did .....The team could be righted and put back into contention rather quick. Not so sure how the present 34 defense would work with Lovie's standard 43 cover two base defense. Guess that could be a big issue if the Texans wanted a class act like Lovie.

 

[A55VA6]

I think that would be a good hire.

 

[den-the-coach]

Lovie runs a 4-3 and their personnel is the 3-4 in so many ways, however, I do see the Texans going with a veteran coach and Smith is a great fit from that standpoint, however, Lovie must have an OC he wants because that was his demise with the Bears even with higher profile names like Terry Shea, Ron Turner, Mike Martz & Mike Tice.

I wonder who Lovie will tab maybe he'll actually keep the current OC Rick Dennison? However, if I was Robert McNair I would see if David Shaw wants to leave Staford because IMO that is one guy, if he wants an NFL job would be one heck of a Head Coach IMO.

 

[max]

Lovie and Bridgewater in Houston. Sounds promising.

 

[mr.stlouis]

I don't know why the Bears fired him... he's a hell of a coach. I wish he was our DC again.

 

[Angry Ram]

Lovie runs a 4-3 and their personnel is the 3-4 in so many ways, however, I do see the Texans going with a veteran coach and Smith is a great fit from that standpoint, however, Lovie must have an OC he wants because that was his demise with the Bears even with higher profile names like Terry Shea, Ron Turner, Mike Martz & Mike Tice.

I wonder who Lovie will tab maybe he'll actually keep the current OC Rick Dennison? However, if I was Robert McNair I would see if David Shaw wants to leave Staford because IMO that is one guy, if he wants an NFL job would be one heck of a Head Coach IMO.

Nah. A HC doesn't mean DC...Wade still gonna be the DC there.

 

[den-the-coach]

Nah. A HC doesn't mean DC...Wade still gonna be the DC there.

Wade can't be the DC with Lovie as Head Coach Wade Phillips runs a 3-4 & Lovie a 4-3, however, they did make it work in Pittsburgh with Tomlin & LeBeau so who knows?

 

[Thordaddy]

I'd expect Lovie to hire Rod Marinelli as an Asst HC /DC

 

[Zaphod]

Wade can't be the DC with Lovie as Head Coach Wade Phillips runs a 3-4 & Lovie a 4-3, however, they did make it work in Pittsburgh with Tomlin & LeBeau so who knows?

That's interesting. I wonder if the base scheme is really that much of a game changer for him in terms of not leaving a good defense in place especially when it fits their personnel?

I know he has his roots as a DC, but I think there's a difference between being a HC and DC. Even if that weren't the case, every good coach implements the scheme that best utilizes the players he has.

 

[den-the-coach]

I'd expect Lovie to hire Rod Marinelli as an Asst HC /DC

Smith can't hire Marinelli because Marinelli is under contract with the Cowboys and unless the Cowboys make changes to their defensive staff or grant permission to interview Marinelli (which they won't) Lovie Smith will have to hire someone else as DC most likely Leslie Frazier who IMO will get fired in Minnesota.

 

[Thordaddy]

Smith can't hire Marinelli because Marinelli is under contract with the Cowboys and unless the Cowboys make changes to their defensive staff or grant permission to interview Marinelli (which they won't) Lovie Smith will have to hire someone else as DC most likely Leslie Frazier who IMO will get fired in Minnesota.

If he doesn't have the title Asst HC at Dallas he can be hired ,if it's just a sideways move your right but I thought Kiffen was over Marinelli and so i think it may be Lovie can hire him.

 

[RhodyRams]

hate to throw this out there, but could this be just to satisfy the Rooney Rule about interviewing a minority for any coaching vacancy?

 

[RaminExile]

hate to throw this out there, but could this be just to satisfy the Rooney Rule about interviewing a minority for any coaching vacancy?

Possibly - but Lovie Smith is certainly qualified enough to get an interview for this position on the strength of his resume. EDIT *(not that I've seen his actual resume mind!)

 

[RhodyRams]

Just to clarify, I am in no way saying that's is the only reason Lovie was contacted

 

[Ky Ram]

I don't see Lovie in Houston. I could however see him in Washington. H brings in a whole new staff and all things being equal both coordinators are in trouble either way.
If he could get the right guy to deal with #operation selfishness he could help urn that franchise around. The problem is they've auctioned offtheir future to us and they can't gain that back overnight. By the time he righted the ship they'd be ready torun him outof town.

 

[Thordaddy]

I don't see Lovie in Houston. I could however see him in Washington. H brings in a whole new staff and all things being equal both coordinators are in trouble either way.
If he could get the right guy to deal with #operation selfishness he could help urn that franchise around. The problem is they've auctioned offtheir future to us and they can't gain that back overnight. By the time he righted the ship they'd be ready torun him outof town.

IMO Snyder better think twice before he fires Shanny, cuz IMO Lovie and many others would pass on coaching the golden child FOR a guy I've come to see as the leagues worst owner.
To me Washington has become where NFL HC's careers go to die

 

[GreeneCounty]

Keenum has showed flashes so Houstron might have a Qb. It needs a coach to right that ship and Lovie might be the man to do it. Kubiak really wasted the talent on that team.