Nov 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans reported Wednesday that head coach Gary Kubiak said he wants to be back on the sidelines this weekend when the Texans host the New England Patriots, Sunday.
Kubiak said Wednesday:
"“I have every intention of being on the field.”"
Kubiak hasn’t coached from the sidelines since he suffered a mini-stroke earlier this season at halftime against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. Kubiak missed one week of coaching when the Texans traveled to Arizona the following week. Since then, Kubiak has coached from the coaches box.
I’m glad and relieved Kubiak is recovering from his health issues as it was a scary moment when it occurred on national television.
As for the football part of all of this … how much will it really matter?
The Texans were playing poorly when he was on the sidelines and just as bad when he coaches from the box. It might help quarterback Case Keenum though, as he’s been struggling in recent games.
This season is a lost year for the Texans, so there is no reason for Kubiak to risk his long term health for a few “meaningless games,” so I hope he’s actually healthy enough to return to the sidelines. I know the Texans head coach is in a hot-seat with his job possibly on the line, depending on how the Texans play the remainder of the season, but his health should be his top concern.
Right now the Texans are holders of the No.1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but it isn’t a lock as there are still five games remaining. Though, the schedule won’t be any easier with the Patriots coming to town, I think it is safe to say the Texans will have a Top 5 overall pick.
With five games left in the season … it should be interesting to see how all of this plays out and where the Texans eventually end up in the overall draft order.