As the Houston Texans search for their next head coach, a ranking of candidates is in order.
With the number of candidates sitting at six as the Texans’ search goes into its second week, it’s time that they get ranked from worst to best. There’s been no lack of interesting candidates, ranging from former head coaches to even a high school football coach.
Houston is under immense pressure to get this right, as the wrong choice would spiral the Houston Texans franchise down the road into more rebuilding years. Coupled with the potential trade of Deshaun Watson, there is that “hurry up and get it done!” feeling floating out there.
So here’s the list of the interviewed candidates that could get the Texans coaching job, ranked from worst candidate to best.
This just seems silly to write. Josh McCown had one of the more remarkable journeyman careers for an NFL quarterback but hasn’t had any coaching experience past the high school level. Perhaps Cal McNair and Nick Caserio see something more in McCown than most teams do.
Although there is always a shot he gets the job, as Houston wouldn’t have interviewed him two years in a row.
Jonathon Gannon has also gotten a second interview, but after only one season as a true defensive coordinator, is it a really good idea? Philadelphia was ranked 18th in total defense as they stumbled their way to a playoff appearance.
Houston’s offense was better passing than running the football. Unless Gannon can help foster some remarkable offensive growth, he doesn’t look like the best candidate to lead the Houston Texans.
Houston Texans fourth and third-best coaching candidates:
It’s a push come to shove, as Hines Ward has less experience as a coach in the NFL than Gannon. However, Ward was much more successful in the NFL as a player, winning Super Bowls XL and XLIII while being nominated as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Some may even say that Ward was snubbed out of the hall.
That’s why Ward gets ranked fourth, in addition to the skills that he can use to elevate Houston’s wide receiving corps.
Joe Lombardi brings the incredible resume statement of coaching Drew Brees for most of his career as Brees’ quarterback coach and an offensive assistant role in New Orleans. Brees was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in NFL history, which bodes well for Davis Mills.
Lombardi also just completed his first season as the offensive coordinator for the L.A. Chargers, elevating Justin Herbert to a Pro Bowl-like level. Houston Texans fans should be excited for Lombardi to have a shot at the head coaching job.
Ranking the top two head coaching candidates for the Houston Texans
Kevin O’Connell has been making the Rams’ offense go places since 2020. They especially have been on another level this year after acquiring former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in a trade. But, there’s a reason L.A. is one step away from playing the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
L.A. has been one of the fiercest offenses to cover this year. So imagine what O’Connell could transform Mills into with the help of some more weapons.
As if there was any doubt, Brian Flores still remains the top target for the Houston Texans. Also, the chance that he could get Deshaun Watson to play is another fact that cannot be overlooked if Flores gets the job in Houston.
While Flores may be “abrasive” to some, Flores lifted the Dolphins out of the shadows and into a playoff contender team. Flores was outstanding on defense but also knows how to get his team to play in the second half of the season.
If Flores can perform better earlier in the year, then he will be a dangerous coach, and Houston would benefit from Flores’ leadership.