With the Texans planning to wrap up their coaching search by Tuesday, Houston's laundry list of candidates continues to expand.
Having already interviewed Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, interim coach Wade Phillips and former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith, the team has set its sights on Ken Whisenhunt.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the Texanswill interview the Chargers offensive coordinator this week, according to sources informed of the team's process. Rapoport was told that Houston has strong interest in Whisenhunt, who might wind up as the final candidate the team talks to.
Texans general manager Rick Smith shares a long history with Whisenhunt, who was fired last January as the coach of the Cardinals after a six-year run in Arizona that included a trip to Super Bowl XLIII. Whisenhunt's quarterback room was a disaster in the desert after Kurt Warner retired, but he's helped turn around Philip Rivers in San Diego this season under coach Mike McCoy.
Whoever replaces Gary Kubiak faces major questions under center. Matt Schaub has melted into oblivion, and young Case Keenum likely has played himself out of a starting role. It's possible the team's next signal-caller will arrive this spring, with Houston poised to hold the top pick in a draft flush with intriguing quarterback prospects.
We break down all the Week 17 games on the latest "Around The League Podcast."