Chauncy - Houston, TX, US: Brooke, Why don't the Texans trade up in the draft for All-America, All-World, All-Universe, All-Human, two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech? The Texans one area of worry this season on offense was scoring in the redzone.. and between Crabtree and Andre Johnson, how could you NOT score hundreds of touchdowns?
Brooke Bentley:
Fans, thanks for all the emails today. This was an action-packed hour with the Texans officially hiring Frank Bush as the defensive coordinator. Come back to HoustonTexans.com for more on that. And see you next week at 1:30 for the Live Chat.
Hi Chauncy,
Wide receiver Michael Crabtree is like Andre Johnson's mini me, just not so mini. His draft stock is high, but the Texans are loaded at wideout and might want to use their first-round pick on a defensive player. Just a hunch.
Brett - austin, TX, US: Brooke, According to the Houston Chronicle's website, Frank Bush was promoted to the defensive coordinator today. What are your thoughts on this?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Brett,
The Texans officially have hired Frank Bush to be the defensive coordinator, HoustonTexans.com is reporting. I think Bush is an excellent choice. He is a player's coach and has ushered along defensive end Mario Williams. Bush worked primarily with the defensive line last season and has an aggressive approach to the game. Plus, he is familiar with the Texans' 4-3 scheme. When Gary Kubiak was hired as head coach in 2006, Bush was his first choice to become the defensive coordinator, but Arizona wouldn't let him out of his contract. Bush now will get his chance at calling plays.
Sharon Walker - Birmingham, AL, US: Are there any particular players that the texans are looking for in this years draft?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Sharon,
It's a little early to name the players the Texans are going after. The talent evaluation process is heating up right now with most of the team's scouts in town for the East-West Shrine Game. Next week, the scouts will go to the Senior Bowl and then there is the NFL Scouting Combine. It's safe to say that they will be focussing on defensive players and adding depth to the secondary and defensive line.
Chris - Lumberton, TX, US: What is the chances the Texans are going to land a big time free agent that did not play for the Texans last year say a certain DE from the NFC.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Chris,
The Texans are in the market for a defensive end who can rush the passer opposite Mario Williams and take the double teams off of him. I can't comment on the free agents of interest, but let's say there's interest. The Texans didn't go after any big-name free agents last season and focussed on finding faster, more athletic players. This offseason, they need more playmakers. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Benjamin - Beaumont, TX, US: Hi Brooke, I think you are totally awesome! I know the Texans defense needs help in the offseason but do you think they will address some key needs on that side of the ball in free agency or try to build young through the draft?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Benjamin,
There is no question that the Texans need to add depth to their secondary and defensive line. Specifically, they need a physical safety, a pass rusher opposite Mario Williams and a run-stopping defensive tackle. The Texans do have two solid veteran safeties, so they could look for talent in the draft at that position. The Texans' defensive line is young with Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye both starting. So, they could look to free agency at defensive tackle - someone who could anchor that line. But it will come down to finding the right fit who is available at the right time, and that is so hard to predict before the process begins. By the way, I must thank Brett C. for his free agent insights.
weldon booker - houston, TX, US: With many teams bringing in new coacheswho will need to hire defensive coordinators to fill out their staffs, might it not be wise for the texans to move with a little more urgency to interview candidates for the defensive coordinator position/.. unless they really are satified with Frank Bush as te defensive coordinator??
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Weldon,
Frank Bush is the leading candidate and the Chronicle is reporting that he will be hired today. The Texans haven't released anything official, but stay tuned. I'll say this: When Gary Kubiak was hired as head coach in 2006, Bush was his first choice to become the defensive coordinator, but Arizona wouldn't let him out of his contract. Bush was assistant head coach\linebackers in Arizona. He would be the natural choice in Houston.
Kyle - West Columbia, TX, US: Do you think players like Slaton, A.Johnson, D. Ryans, and Mario will stay around when their contracts come up or do you think money talks?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Kyle,
Lucky for the Texans, they don't have to worry about Steve Slaton, Andre Johnson DeMeco Ryans or Mario Williams this year. Those guys all have time left on their contracts. The Texans will try to re-sign them before their contract year begins and, for the most part, they have said that they want to stay in Houston. If the Texans make the playoffs in 2009, they will be even more eager to re-sign. This year, the Texans have to re-sign cornerback Dunta Robinson and tight end Owen Daniels.
Justin Voorhees - Corpus Christi, TX, US: What is the status in trying to sign dunta robinson do you think he will re-new his contract? Also what what postions do you see trying to fill with the new nfl prospects?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Justin,
I actually spoke with Dunta Robinson yesterday while we were watching the East-West Shrine practices. He wants to stay in Houston and coach Gary Kubiak wants him to play for the Texans. Robinson is going to demand big-time corner money, so negotiations are centered around that. The Texans definitely will focus on adding more depth to the defense this offseason. They need a pass rusher opposite Mario Williams, a physical safety and a defensive tackle who can stop the run.
Chris - Conroe, TX, US: What are your thoughts on why the Texans decided against renewing the contract of strength and conditioning coach Dan Riley? I feel it is a big loss for the Texans not only what he brought to the team, but also to the community. I went to several functions sponsored by the Texans since their start in Houston. He was always down-to-earth, approachable, and even though I was "just a fan" he treated me as an equal. Just two people speaking about football. I feel it is a big loss. I hope you can give me some insight on why the team and Coach Riley have parted ways.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Chris,
Strength and conditioning coach Dan Riley will be missed by the Texans. Like you said, he was a stand-up guy who was devoted to his profession. Riley had more than 20 years of NFL experience and had been with the Texans since 2002, but there comes a time when a team needs new blood. The Texans are determined to become a playoff team this year, and the front office wants to take every step possible to make that happen. Riley has worked with a slew of revered coaches (Joe Gibbs) and players (Mark Schlereth), so he will land with another team or move on to something great.
Tim Te Grootenhuis - Westendorp, NL: Hey i`m a houston fan from holland, which days of the week are u guys playing ??. im free from work so maybe i come over these days
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Tim,
The 2009 schedule hasn't been released, but most games will be on Sunday. The Texans are hoping for another Monday night game, but that won't be decided for several months.
Eric - houston, TX, US: Why dont the texans look for other dc like the ravens dc coach.We need someone new not someone who wants to play dc. Who do you think who might get the job
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Eric,
All sign point to Frank Bush, who was coach Gary Kubiak's first choice to become the defensive coordinator, but Arizona wouldn't let him out of his contract. Bush was assistant head coach\linebackers when the Texans hired him from Arizona. He has been in the NFL for 24 years as a player, scout and assistant coach. He worked primarily with the defensive line last year and did wonders with Mario Williams. He aggressive as a coach and the players respect him.
Alejandro - Houston, TX, US: What are the chances that we hire Mike Shanahan as a coach for the Texans
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Alejandro,
It's highly unlikely that Mike Shanahan will coach for the Texans. Shanahan wants to be a head coach on a team where he can have a lot of autonomy. The Texans like Gary Kubiak and the offensive coaching staff he has built. Now, Kubiak is focussing on building his defensive coaching staff. It looks like Shanahan might take a year off and enjoy his family, including his granddaughter Stella (daughter of Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan).
Wes Baker - houston, TX, US: Will the Texans aquire any new DB's to compliment Donte Robinson? And any D-line men to help out Mario and also help the line backers out
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Wes,
This offseason, the front office will focus on adding talent to the defense. The Texans need more depth at secondary. First, they have to re-sign cornerback Dunta Robinson, who is in a contract year. Robinson said he would like to remain in Houston if he can get paid like a big-time corner. The Texans also need a more physical safety. Talent evaluators love USC's Taylor Mays because he is fast and physical, but it looks like he is staying at USC. Coach Gary Kubiak has been very upfront about needing a pass rusher opposite Mario Williams. So, look for activity in all of these areas.
Jim Dewbre - Pasadena, TX, US: Who are the texans interviewing for the D.C position? It has been way too quiet for me! Let me know something! I've believed for a long time that our defense was the culprit for our losing seasons.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Jim,
As you probably know, the Texans interviewed Rod Marinelli, the former Lions head coach, but he took a position as the Bears defensive line coach. Marinelli and Chicago coach Lovie Smith are very good friends, so it was a natural decision. Frank Bush appears to be the Texans' leading candidate, but the team hasn't released anything official. When Gary Kubiak was hired as head coach in 2006, Bush was his first choice to become the defensive coordinator, but Arizona wouldn't let Bush out of his contract. He was drafted by the Oilers in 1985 to play outside linebacker and started as a rookie. The players respect him and he already is familiar with the Texans' 4-3 scheme.
Roddie - spring, TX, US: Who do you think we should pick up in the 2009 draft??
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Roddie,
It's a little early to name the players the Texans are targeting in the draft. The talent evaluation process is heating up right now with most of the team's scouts in town for the East-West Shrine Game. Next week, they head to the Senior Bowl and then there is the NFL Scouting Combine. I think that they will focuss on defensive players, especially safeties, defensive tackles and defensive ends.
numberonefan - Houston, TX, US: It seems that Frank Bush will become the new Defensive coach.........will he pick his assistance from the other coaches...........say the special teams coach.......he has the know how and he knows the players..(starters and back-up players)
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Texans fans! Thanks for joining us for our weekly live chat. We have lots to discuss with the Texans interviewing defensive coaches and turning to the talent evaluation process. So let the questions begin!
Hi Richard,
Frank Bush officially has interviewed for the job of defensive coordinator and there are reports that he will be hired today. The Texans haven't released anything official, so stand by for further announcements. Bush is an outstanding candidate. He played for the Oilers and the players really respect him. On Monday, coach Gary Kubiak and Bush met with David Gibbs, son of assistant head coach Alex Gibbs. David interviewed for the defensive backs coaching position, which was held by Jon Hoke.
