Dennison (NFL photo)
Mark Berman of Fox 26 Sports reports that Rick Dennison is the new offensive coordinator for the Texans.
This isn't a surprise after reading previous reports of Gary Kubiak's pursuit of Dennison.
Dennison and Falcons quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave were thought to be the favorites to replace Kyle Shanahan but there was never confirmation that Musgrave was really a candidate for the job or if that was only speculation.
This was on top of news earlier in the day that the guru of zone blocking, aka "the angry little Cherokee" Alex Gibbs was leaving for Seattle.
My first reaction was surprise because I thought he would retire (again) instead of taking on another challenge at 69 years old.
But according to Eric Winston, the Texans o-line is in good hands.
"We will be just fine. Even if Dennison doesn't come Benton is more than capable," said Winston earlier today on his Twitter account.
Winston added, "I know everyone is surprised by Gibbs leaving and he is a great coach but trust me, the O-line is in good hands with Benton. Plus Dennison.."
Benton, who is one of at least six Colorado State alums employed by the Texans, worked under Gibbs for two seasons, and based on previous comments by Texans players, Gibbs had assumed more of a background role in 2009 allowing Benton to take more of a lead in the day to day coaching of the offensive line.
And don't forget, the Texans also have Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews on the staff so I think I agree with Winston in saying that the O-line is in good hands.
Does anyone what the connection is, if any, between Pete Carroll and Alex Gibbs?
Update (Jan 13, 5:36 a.m.): Regarding the Carroll - Gibbs connection, I found the following quote from Gibbs (who rarely talks to the media but obviously talked to Mark Berman yesterday) in an ESPN.com article on the hiring:
"After Pete's first year at USC (2001) he was not happy with the direction of his offense," Gibbs said to the Houston station (Fox 26). "He liked what we were doing at Denver when I was a part-time coach there. So I helped him after his first year at USC. I helped coach the coaches at USC. We coached off of film, not the field. I didn't work with any players."
A subtle connection but a connection nonetheless. Gibbs is a guy who loves a challenge (and likely hates routine) and that was probably part of the draw to Seattle as he'll be assisting a rookie OC in Jeremy Bates. Methinks Gibbs thinks the Texans are in good hands offensively and his work was done here.
Comments
The Chronicle's updated report on Dennison's hire says that Gibbs previously worked with Carroll as a consultant on offense..that's all I've read or know about.
Eddie, check the update at the end of the article. Berman must have tracked Gibbs down yesterday somehow. Impressive since Gibbs rarely if ever speaks to the media.
"Does anyone what the connection is, if any, between Pete Carroll and Alex Gibbs?" - I can think of one link, though it's not necessarily of a personal nature but more of a coaching philosophy or system scheme preference: the Trojans were known to have run a lot of ZB schemes during Carrolls regime, and we all know who "the man" is when it comes to that blocking scheme.
Alan, I think you nailed it when you said this: Gibbs is a guy who loves a challenge (and likely hates routine) and that was probably part of the draw to Seattle as he'll be assisting a rookie OC in Jeremy Bates. Methinks Gibbs thinks the Texans are in good hands offensively and his work was done here.
"I know everyone is surprised by Gibbs leaving and he is a great coach but trust me, the O-line is in good hands with Benton. Plus Dennison.." - Eric Winston
I just heard some radio show host on AM 790 saying that the Texans were stupid to let Gibbs go, and they should have put up the money to keep him, etc etc... I think he needs to read up on things because it sounds like the organization was preparing for him to leave this year. I'm glad to hear Eric thinks it won't hurt the Texans.
Can't say I've ever listened to 790. Gibbs seems like the type of guy who would take less money for more challenge if you know what I mean. I really think he thought his work was done here. He was ready to move on and we were lucky to have him for a couple of years to share his knowledge with guys like Benton and Pollock.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!