Gary Kubiak Is Sticking Around: What This Means For the Future

Earlier this week, official word came down confirming what had already been rumored: Gary Kubiak was staying on as head coach, and Frank Bush was being relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator. In Bush's place, the Texans have hired Wade Phillips.

There were plenty of Texans fans disappointed with this news. Of course, just about all of them wanted Bush gone, but just about as many were calling for the firing of Gary Kubiak. I was certainly in the group that wanted a completely new coaching staff.

I'm obviously not sold that the Texans made the right move keeping Kubiak. I do, however, like the hiring of Wade Phillips. I'm also willing to accept that this is the hand being dealt.

So now that we know where the franchise stands, what can we expect?

I don't think I'm breaking news when I say that you can expect some improvement out of the Texans. The Texans had the worst defense in the NFL and had injuries all over the field, yet somehow still managed to secure six wins. If the Texans simply have fewer injuries next season and see any improvement whatsoever in their defense, they'll be better.

Unfortunately for the Texans, an improvement is simply not enough. Nothing short of a playoff appearance is acceptable at this point. Another season without the playoffs will just increase the apathy and anger among fans—fans are already finding ways to give away tickets to the games. With another year of mediocrity, the Texans might even be staring network blackouts in the face.

I can hear your question from here. Surely, you're asking how the Texans can possibly be good enough to make the playoffs with largely the entire roster returning and the beleaguered Gary Kubiak at the helm?

I'm here to tell you that it can be done. Not only that, but keeping Kubiak will be a big part of it.

Keeping Kubiak gives the Texans franchise some stability. The players will be getting the same message they have been getting. They know what to expect on a day to day basis. Sure, we could argue about whether or not the message he is sending is the right one, but at least the team will have some consistency in that sense.

Having Kubiak stick around also means that the front office is sending a consistent message to the players. Surely, it's no fluke that the players vocally supported Kubiak and kept him on subsequently. Kubiak is probably as popular with his players as any coach in the entire NFL.

The players flat want to win for Coach. If you ask anyone on the roster, they'll say that they let Coach down. Not the other way around. Even with Kubiak being given another year, the players know the clock is ticking on his time in Houston. Motivation to win for him and for each other will be at an all-time high.

Kubiak won't be going into battle alone. For the first time in his tenure, Gary will be coaching alongside an experienced defensive coordinator. Phillips knows how to draw up a defense and put the talent currently on the roster in a position to be successful. Having a defense that can get stops will take a load off of Kubiak's shoulders.

Kubiak's offense always comes to play. Now, they won't have to rely on winning shootouts to be competitive.

For better or worse, Kubiak is staying. It remains to be seen if it is the right call. Before we all pass judgment on the decision by Bob McNair, let's not forget that Kubiak isn't going it alone. His offense is one of the best in the league, his team will finally be healthy come next season, and he'll finally have a competent defensive coordinator at his disposal.

So go ahead, Texans fans, complain and moan away about how McNair can't make the tough decisions. You might be right. Just be sure you are paying attention when the Texans find themselves in playoff contention in December. Count me among those that wouldn't be surprised if that's just where they are.