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According to Peter King, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is out in Houston. Kubiak is the first NFL head coach to lose his job this season. The Texans lost their 11th straight game of the season in a 27-20 loss to the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. Old friend Wade Phillips will take over as interim head coach.
Kubiak was in Houston since 2007. Aside from this season, the Texans only had two losing years under Kubiak. the Texans made the playoffs the previous two seasons but lost in the divisional round both times.
It's no secret the Texans have had a terrible 2013 campaign. They're 2-11 with both of those wins being big comeback efforts. Veteran passer Matt Schaub has thrown more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (9) and has been benched for 2012 undrafted rookie Case Keenum at times.
What's a little weird is that the Texans don't necessarily look as terrible on paper as they do on the field. Their offense ranks 10th in yards gained, but is 29th in points scored. The Texans defense allow the 3rd least yards, but ranks 27th in points allowed. Houston owns the league's second worst turnover differential with -14.
It's interesting to note that the Eagles signed three different Texans in free agency prior to the 2013 season: OLB Connor Barwin, TE James Casey, and P Donnie Jones. Houston's issues obviously run deeper than having lost these players, but you can't think it did them any good. Their loss is the Eagles' gain.
Or maybe Donnie Jones is just that good? Houston's record with Jones in 2012: 12-4. Houston's record without Jones in 2013: 2-11. If that isn't indisputable proof, I don't know what is.
The good news for Houston is they will likely own the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. They will have the opportunity to draft a top prospect, such as a sorely needed legitimate franchise quarterback.
For more on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.
