The Houston Texans are taking advantage of firing Gary Kubiak before the season's end. Just as other NFL teams begin their coaching search, the Texans plan to be choosing their future leader.
The organization plans to wrap up its coaching search by Tuesday, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, per sources familiar with the team's thinking.
"The process continues,"Texans owner Bob McNair told the Houston Chronicle. "We have other interviews scheduled next week. It isn't over."
As Rapoport reported earlier this week, the Texans interviewed Bill O'Brien on Thursday and the Penn State coach remains one of the team's top choices. O'Brien had his NFL buyout reduced from $13 million to $6.5 million in March. That news was made public in June.
Houston also interviewed interim coach Wade Phillips for the permanent job, as owner Bob McNair promised they would, Rapoport added Saturday.
Rapoport previously reported the Texans interviewed former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith.
According to Mr. Rapsheet, the Texans plan to interview one more candidate Monday before settling on their future coach.
UPDATE: Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay First" that the Texans will interview Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, per sources informed of their process. Houston has strong interest in him, per Rapoport, and Whisenhunt could be the final candidate interviewed.
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