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Texans Owner Bob McNair Not Planning On Long Rebuilding Effort

The Texans on Friday fired coach Gary Kubiak, and did so with three games remaining in the season so team Owner Bob McNair "can get a head start on other owners who also could be in the market for a new coach," according to John McClain of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. McNair said, "It's in the best interest of the organization to go ahead and start now. We don't have to do a lot to get us back on track. We expect to be right back in playoff contention next year." He added, "We would like someone who has had head coaching experience but also has had NFL experience" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/7). In Houston, Brian Smith noted McNair has "no interest in or tolerance for a slow, methodical rebuild, instead desiring a quick fix via a coaching change and a potential new starting quarterback." While defensive coordinator Wade Phillips handles interim duties, McNair and GM Rick Smith will "move forward with a coaching evaluation process that's already begun." The focus will be on "finding a proven commodity with NFL experience." McNair: "We don't consider this a long-term rebuilding process" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/7). CBSSN's Amy Trask said the Texans by firing Kubiak now "really do get a head start." Trask: "While the NFL tampering rules prevent them from interviewing NFL coaches, other than in a certain proscribed period of time, they now can start with interviewing people who are not in the NFL. They now have a head start on the hiring cycle and getting themselves organized" ("That Other Pregame Show," CBSSN, 12/8).

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM: In Houston, Jerome Solomon wrote McNair "can't be as clueless as he seems," but the firing of Kubiak was a "hint that something is amiss in the Texans' hierarchy." Solomon: "Maybe McNair's soon-to-be last-place finish ... will lead to some changes in his management style." The Texans are in the "top five in the NFL in revenues, so McNair the businessman is doing fine." But loyalty to "underperforming employees is not praiseworthy" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/8). CBSSN’s Jason La Canfora noted McNair "has been very patient and very loyal" to Kubiak, "perhaps even to a fault some would say.” La Canfora: "So for it to happen in-season was really an indication, to me and a lot of other people, about the future of that team” ("That Other Pregame Show," CBSSN, 12/8). ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the Texans were going to fire Kubiak last Monday, but they "certainly decided being Thanksgiving week and so close to the mini-stroke episode" that Kubiak had that it would not have been the "right thing to do at that time" ("NFL Insiders," ESPN, 12/6).

ATTRACTIVE OPENING: FS1’s Jay Glazer said he “never could recall a head coaching vacancy that is as attractive as the Houston Texans right now.” Glazer: “That is such an incredibly attractive job for every single candidate who is going to be out there. ... It’s a credit to the owner. The owner is that great of an owner to deal with.” FS1’s Mike Pereira said, "It would be interesting to see -- the job is that good -- who this might draw back into coaching interest." FS1’s Curt Menefee said that the Texans “are going to have their choice of coaches, bottom line." He added, "This is not one of those where they are just going to see who they can go out there and get” (“Fox Football Daily,” FS1, 12/6). SI's Peter King noted the Texans could look to Mike Shanahan if he does not come back to the Redskins next season, but the decision as to what coach will be hired "is going to be made by Bob McNair." King: "I think McNair would be much more inclined to hire a less expensive and calmer coach, somebody like Lovie Smith" ("Football Night In America," NBC, 12/8). 

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