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The Houston Texans are 2-11. Given that they were 12-4 last year, that fact is mind-boggling. Even with a boss as patient as Bob McNair, a head coach is not likely to survive a season like this. I believe Jay Glazer had the news first:
Just heard from a Texans member who told me Coach Kubiak has informed coaches he has been let go
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 6, 2013
Again, Texans assistants have been informed by Coach Kubiak that he has been fired. Coach told them he loves them but has been let go
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 6, 2013
Thus, it was no surprise when the Texans announced they fired Gary Kubiak today. You can read the official announcement from the team's site here.
Gary Kubiak, a Houston native, was hired as the second head coach in franchise history in January of 2006. Prior to coming to Houston for his first head coaching gig, Kubes played at St. Pius in Houston before becoming Texas A&M's quarterback; he then went on to a long career in Denver as John Elway's backup. After retiring, Kubiak went on to coach with the 49ers and Broncos, eventually becoming Denver's offensive coordinator. He won Super Bowls in both San Francisco and Denver.
As head coach of the Texans, Kubiak had a record of 61-64. While that record doesn't scream "WINNER," Kubiak did lead the Texans to division titles in 2011 and 2012 as well as two (2) playoff victories before losing in the divisional round to the Patriots each of the last two years. For as horrendous as 2013 has been for Texans fans, 2011 and most of 2012 were cause for celebration, especially considering the complete lack of success the team had before then.
As Bob McNair noted in the press conference a few minutes ago, it's a performance-related business, and Kubiak did not perform this year. Nevertheless, Kubes did a lot of good in Houston, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.
We will, of course, have much, much more on Kubes' dismissal, the Texans' search for a new head coach, and the effect of all this on the franchise. Stay tuned.
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