Houston Texans Finally Fire Defensive Coordinator Richard Smith (And a Few Others)

FanHouse readers who pay attention to such things may note that I have never been a big fan of Texans defensive coordinator Richard Smith. (massive understatement)

In a move that was long over due, Smith was fired today, along with defensive backs Coach, Jon Hoke and defensive line coach, Jethro Franklin.

According to Football Outsiders stats, the Texans defense under Smith's tenure was ranked as follows:

2006: 31st
2007: 30th
2008: 29th

So instead of waiting a few more decades to build a dominant defense, head coach Gary Kubiak finally pulled the plug.

In his press conference, Kubiak was very vague in what they were looking for in a coach. He didn't exclude 3-4 coaches or coaches without defensive coordinator experience. Rather, he is looking for the best coach for this team...meaning he is keeping his options open.

This includes considering Frank Bush, the current defensive assistant who was under consideration for the Texans defensive coordinator job in 2006. I am hoping Bush is the backup plan because there's not much in his background to think he can turn this defense around.

For more on the Texans' search for a defensive coordinator and who is staying and going, I suggest checking out my Houston Chronicle blog post on the subject. /shameless but very relevant plug.

(The above picture is courtesy of the Lone Spot Tailgaters, who hung that sign in their tailgate around election time. I think it accurately reflects the consensus of most Texan fans. It's all about "Hope" and "Change" this year, isn't it?).