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Swap Young for Richardson and I agree.

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I wouldn't be opposed to it if Caserio/Steichen are confident that Richardson has a higher ceiling than Young and they could at least come close to maximizing that potential. My concern with him is his accuracy and ability to process information quickly, which are two of Young's strengths.

Bobby Jimbo said:

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Swap Young for Richardson and I agree.

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I wouldn't be opposed to it if Caserio/Steichen are confident that Richardson has a higher ceiling than Young and they could at least come close to maximizing that potential. My concern with him is his accuracy and ability to process information quickly, which are two of Young's strengths.

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You beat me to my edit, but Young is really slight. He's not a guy you want taking hits. If you want to run what Philly has done, Richardson is definitely a better comparison to Hurts than Young.

Bobby Jimbo said:

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. . . said:

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Eagles OC Shane Steichen

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Steichen is very interesting and would potentially pair really well with Bryce Young:


Imagine if our offense added Young, Quentin Johnston, and a RB like Achane (speed back to complement Dameon Pierce) in the middle rounds to go along with Steichen's playcalling. That could potentially turn around things pretty quickly.

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Pierce could be a lot like Sanders in their system but our WR room is so bad. Having Brown on one side and Smith on the other is great for them, a lot of the teams in the playoffs have multiple WR options. Steichen and Johnson are both going to value the o-line as well which is going to be a must for Houston to have any real chance at a turnaround. I'm a fan of both of those guys.

I'm not sure where Achane is projected but after the combine his value is going to jump significantly, he could be the fastest prospect in the draft.

Ryan34 said:

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I know it's a big risk, but I still lean towards Anthony Richardson. Imperative is getting a coaching staff who can develop him. Richardson is big, fast, and a rocket arm. His mechanics are good, just needs to improve footwork and gain experience. It's easy to see his elite physical traits translating ala Josh Allen, who also wasn't spectacular in college either.

If Bryce Young becomes an elite QB in the NFL, he'll basically be a unicorn. He's the best college QB of the bunch IMO, but I just don't know if his physical traits translate.

My thoughts as of today:
- Demeco or Gannon with those respective offensive systems
- Richardson at #2 (or trade back preferably, but also risky)
- Johnston at #12 for a #1 WR and a good deep threat
- Achane somewhere. Elite speed that can be another deep threat for Richardson and move around the offense ala Deebo Samuel.
- Target DL in free agency. Maybe Davenport from New Orleans plus some DTs.

And this is why I'm not a GM

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Going to be some fun debates on the top 4 QBs. They all have their warts. CJ Stroud might be my #1 right now. He was so good against Georgia. Im not sure Young will hold up physically in the NFL.

Richardson is intriguing, but way too much downside at #2 for my liking.

No interest in Levis.

the Seahawks at #5

the Raiders at #7

and the Panthers at #9 need QB's.

Richardson won't be there at #12

W said:

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the Seahawks at #5

the Raiders at #7

and the Panthers at #9 need QB's.

Richardson won't be there at #12

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I don't think Seattle is going to go QB unless Pete Carroll retires, but some teams past #12 could trade in front of us. Plus Indianapolis to your list.

From Deadspin

Rather than risk overtime and another tie against the Colts, lame duck coach Lovie Smith went for two and the win. I've never seen a game-winning sequence that was so tragic and yet played out with a laugh track. The Houston Texans deserve to be laughed at, especially for how they tried to play Smith. Game recognize game and he played them right back.

Cal:
-Dealt with unprecedented circumstances last several years
-Full confidence in Nick. Led our football operation through a difficult stretch and continues to prove he's an elite talent evaluator.
-With this hire, I'll be taking on a more active role in this process.

And yet again Caserio references his role as GM potentially not fitting with next HC hire. Fourth time during this press conference.

— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) January 9, 2023

"Candidly, if there are candidates, they feel that whether or not my position, that I'm worthwhile to be in my position, if ultimately the best thing for the organization is for me to not be in that position, I have to respect that and acknowledge that. I'm certainly not above and beyond anything else. … At some point, if someone feels that that's not the direction to go, I respect that and acknowledge that."

"At some point, if someone feel it's not the right decision for this organization, I have to respect that and accept it."

"I have a responsibility but let's be real, the clock is ticking, time is short. Expectations are high. It's about performance. If I don't do my job well enough, and quite frankly, some probably think I haven't done my job well enough at this point and that's more than fair, at some point, decisions will have to be made."

"Appreciative of the support from Cal/Hannah. Again, there's no guarantees. I'll do the best job I can. We've made progress in some areas but quite frankly not in enough areas. I'm gonna hold myself accountable. No one is more disappointed in myself than myself. Only thing I can do is try to come up with solutions. If it's good enough, it will be good enough and if not, I'll have to deal with the consequences and I understand that."

"Grateful for the opportunity to be afforded here. If whoever we hire or decide upon doesn't feel my role or position that I'm in is appropriate, I understand that and accept that."

(You've also mentioned like 5 times "If I'm not the guy, I'm done." Do you fear for your job?) "In the end, it's about accountability. No one is happy with where we are. I'm gonna work my ass off like I've done since the day I've walked in the building. That's my commitment."

(Who decides the next head coach?) In the end, it'll be my recommendation to ownership. Cal/Hannah own the team. … In the end, the owner has the trump card.

Yikes

This tells me that Cal wants to hire a HC and give him full control of everything.

Did he not learn anything from BoB?

Jesus...

Ag_07 said:

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This tells me that Cal wants to hire a HC and give him full control of everything.

Did he not learn anything from BoB?

Jesus...

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I don't read it that way at all. Sounds to me like Caserio wants to move on. Or trying way too hard for humility.

Reads to me that every HC they've reached out to wants no part of working for Nicky C and all his puppets.

Imo Nick is gone….as he should be.

Cal gave Nick enough rope the past few years and Nick did the rest of the job.

Caserio is kind of the last connection to BoB and Easterby.

those were the two that wanted him so bad

I don't know what to make of Caserio's comments. Sounds like he is a dead man walking, but why would he lead a coaching hire then?

Do we really want Cannah more involved in the hiring decision?

W said:

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Caserio is kind of the last connection to BoB and Easterby.

those were the two that wanted him so bad

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Well other than Simple Cal.

Make sure we suck enough next year to draft Brock Bowers.

Snake Jazz said:

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I don't know what to make of Caserio's comments. Sounds like he is a dead man walking, but why would he lead a coaching hire then?

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My interpretation is that they had the come to Jesus talk. I'm guessing Cal told him what was expected going into this coaching hire, draft, and free agency period. Another season like the last two won't be acceptable. If Caserio was being fired, he'd be fired already, just like Lovie. Why keep him around when other teams are already getting interviews lined up? We already know what it looks like if a coach is given too much control, I don't take anything to mean they want that again.

Max Power said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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I don't know what to make of Caserio's comments. Sounds like he is a dead man walking, but why would he lead a coaching hire then?

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My interpretation is that they had the come to Jesus talk. I'm guessing Cal told him what was expected going into this coaching hire, draft, and free agency period. Another season like the last two won't be acceptable. If Caserio was being fired, he'd be fired already, just like Lovie. Why keep him around when other teams are already getting interviews lined up? We already know what it looks like if a coach is given too much control, I don't take anything to mean they want that again.

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Could be a Casserly like situation. Help us hire a coach and get through the draft which could see us not taking a QB that everyone wants. You will be paid to be the fall guy and gone and new GM is coming in will mesh better with new coach

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W said:
Caserio is kind of the last connection to BoB and Easterby.

those were the two that wanted him so bad

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Well other than Simple Cal.

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Hahaha, didn't we wait over a YEAR to hire Caserio after we got our wrist slapped for tampering with him? What a disaster. Cal is such a failure.

I almost feel that Nick has approached this as a long rebuild where they'd be competitive in 4-5 years (around the time he is up for renewal). Signing old vets to 1/2 years deals who would roll off payroll about the time younger/drafted talent was coming on. Hired two coaches that he may not have loved, but knew they'd be a bridge.

Where I think things have changed is Cal may not be as patient. Not only has the team been rebuilding, they've been a laughing stock of the league with on/off field issues and he knows he can't keep putting out crap product year in and year out if he wants to keep the fanbase.

I think Cal may have had a come to Jesus meeting with Nick where he HOPEFULLY said you need to get your ish together and it needs to be next year. I didn't get the sense that Nick is on his way out, but his "6 year" contract may not last 6 years if the team doesn't show signs of improvement next year.

https://www.outkick.com/there-are-five-nfl-coach-openings-and-best-opportunity-of-bunch-might-surprise/

Some interesting parts:

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"Remember all this and then take everything I'm about to tell you, take with a grain of salt," a current NFL assistant expecting to interview for at least one open job told OutKick. "I think Houston is the best job out there.

"I know, I know, you're going to bring up all the mess of the last four years or so. But I love their draft picks. And I love their salary cap situation. There are possibilities there if the right guy has a chance to lay a foundation."

The fact is three of the five experts who spoke to OutKick on Monday said Houston had the most upside of any job vacancy. Another had Houston as the second-best job available.

The Texans are scheduled to have 12 picks in the April draft. They'll have two first-round picks, including the second overall selection. Their pick in the second round is a borderline first-rounder because the Dolphins forfeited their first this year, meaning there are only 31 first-round selections this draft.

The Texans will also have two picks in the third round this year. And two more first-round picks next year. This offers opportunity to find a franchise quarterback and build around him.

"And, don't forget, the Deshaun Watson drama is gone," a source said.

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But the obvious issue with the Texans is they've been a dumpster fire of a reputation among some coaches. That has happened because the Texans fired both David Culley and Lovie Smith after only one season.

"That's not overplayed media stuff," one coach told OutKick. "That's real. But never underestimate someone's ego. I personally wouldn't go in thinking the last two guys got fired after one year, so this is how it's going to go for me.

"Guess what, you go 3-13-1 and blow the No. 1 overall pick, maybe you should get canned after one year. I think that job's going to be an excellent opportunity for somebody."

This is obviously one man's opinion. But the Texans resources for adding talent, including having the most cap space of any of the teams hiring this cycle, makes them tempting.

And here's a surprise: The lack of a quarterback this cycle is seen as something of a strength rather than a weakness by some.

Multiple people who spoke to OutKick on Monday showed little enthusiasm about the Arizona Cardinals and Broncos, in part because those teams are tied to veteran quarterbacks making a lot of money but not playing like they deserve a lot of money.

The Cardinals, searching for both a general manager and coach, are tied to Kyler Murray to such a degree that owner Michael Bidwell told reporters on Monday the player would have input in the coach search.

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Cardinals Empowering Kyler Murray

"The last thing that kid needs is find another coach to be his friend," a source told OutKick. "And that's how it's looking. I mean, what has he done to deserve any say in a search?

"There's no serious coach that wants to be interviewing with the quarterback who hasn't proven anything. We're not talking Peyton Manning here."

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BCSGrubber said:

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Max Power said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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I don't know what to make of Caserio's comments. Sounds like he is a dead man walking, but why would he lead a coaching hire then?

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My interpretation is that they had the come to Jesus talk. I'm guessing Cal told him what was expected going into this coaching hire, draft, and free agency period. Another season like the last two won't be acceptable. If Caserio was being fired, he'd be fired already, just like Lovie. Why keep him around when other teams are already getting interviews lined up? We already know what it looks like if a coach is given too much control, I don't take anything to mean they want that again.

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Could be a Casserly like situation. Help us hire a coach and get through the draft which could see us not taking a QB that everyone wants. You will be paid to be the fall guy and gone and new GM is coming in will mesh better with new coach

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I like Max's take that the McNairs wanted to put a good scare into Caserio...essentially saying we gave you some leash at first because we knew you inherited a mess, but we need to get this turned around sooner rather than later.

I don't like the "fall guy" approach. If we're going to be drafting a new QB and hiring a new coach, I want a GM who is invested in those decisions. And, why would any decent GM want to step into a situation where he inherits a rookie QB and a new coach? You're going to be judged by somebody else's decisions.

I wonder if any of this has to specifically with Gannon or DeMeco. Caserio said several times that if the coach isn't on board with him as the GM, he knows that may mean he is the odd man out. They liked Gannon a year ago...is it possible that Gannon wanted more of a role in personnel than Caserio was willing to agree to? Or, with DeMeco, might Caserio take the blame for hiring two black coaches and giving them very little opportunity to prove themselves?

RVAg02 said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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I don't know what to make of Caserio's comments. Sounds like he is a dead man walking, but why would he lead a coaching hire then?

Do we really want Cannah more involved in the hiring decision?

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"Cannah". Holy ***** Ha ha ha

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I would love to take credit for that, but I saw it somewhere else. Might have been this thread. Might be completely legit. Seems as if Hannah is taking on a bigger role behind the scenes. Maybe bilbo can add to this...maybe not having any direct say on anything specific but pushing Cal to do something and stop being the laughingstock of the league. I was listening to Stoerner/Show recently and Clint said something to the effect that Hannah is starting to factor into some of this.

Regardless, I plan on using Cannah more. Might be more accurate than the Tommy Boy label.

I agree that this is an attractive job as long as Tommy boy stays out of the damn way. Which unfortunately doesn't sound like is happening.

And that cap space and those draft picks are literally only available because of Caserio. I know redag or whoever thinks he's the devil, but he has managed the roster well and played the hand he was dealt. We are loaded with picks over the next two years and now have cap room. It would be the most Cal thing ever to fire him and start all over again. Eventually he needs to look inward if he thinks there's a culture issue.

Caserio made one bad coaching hire in Culley. He was literally looking for his version of Bo Porter--someone to be there for 2 years and at least have character during the suckage, but even that was too much for Culley.

Another good draft (QB, OL) and 2-3 key free agent pickups and one of those top coordinators and this could actually turn around pretty quickly.

Our draft last year has been talked about as being rough, but I actually still like it. I still think Stingley and Green have huge potential under a good coach. Green needs his work ethic whipped into shape and Stingley needs to be played to his strengths. Pitre was a good pickup. We still have Metchie coming back next year as well, so I wouldn't call that draft a bust or anything.

Buck Compton said:

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I agree that this is an attractive job as long as Tommy boy stays out of the damn way. Which unfortunately doesn't sound like is happening.

And that cap space and those draft picks are literally only available because of Caserio. I know redag or whoever thinks he's the devil, but he has managed the roster well and played the hand he was dealt. We are loaded with picks over the next two years and now have cap room. It would be the most Cal thing ever to fire him and start all over again. Eventually he needs to look inward if he thinks there's a culture issue.

Caserio made one bad coaching hire in Culley. He was literally looking for his version of Bo Porter--someone to be there for 2 years and at least have character during the suckage, but even that was too much for Culley.

Another good draft (QB, OL) and 2-3 key free agent pickups and one of those top coordinators and this could actually turn around pretty quickly.

Our draft last year has been talked about as being rough, but I actually still like it. I still think Stingley and Green have huge potential under a good coach. Green needs his work ethic whipped into shape and Stingley needs to be played to his strengths. Pitre was a good pickup. We still have Metchie coming back next year as well, so I wouldn't call that draft a bust or anything.

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I agree...I think Caserio has done a decent job with personnel considering the handicaps he was dealt. I'm also ok with Cal lighting a fire under him. If he doesn't get the QB and HC decisions right, we're going nowhere.

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I'm also ok with Cal lighting a fire under him. If he doesn't get the QB and HC decisions right, we're going nowhere.

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But it's weird since he says the HC won't be his decision. It will be just a recommendation to Cannah.

I'm still not sure what exactly to make of these comments. Weird all around

The ownership & front office make it difficult to think of the Texans job as being the most attractive. Plus, a complete overhaul of personnel will be required. Getting a long term commitment (which is necessary) from a team that has fired 3 HCs in 3 years doesn't sound like a strong possibility.

But attractiveness really doesn't matter. Only 32 people can be NFL HCs. You have to seize the opportunity whenever & wherever it arises.

ac said:

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But attractiveness really doesn't matter. Only 32 people can be NFL HCs. You have to seize the opportunity whenever & wherever it arises.

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You don't get many shots to be a head coach, and if the GM and owners are both incompetent, setting your opportunity as a head coach up for failure before it even begins, you don't take it. Maybe that is why Demeco isn't interested, or it could be because he dislikes the franchise(he did have a lawsuit against fhe franchise for his career ending injury)

redag06 said:

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ac said:

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But attractiveness really doesn't matter. Only 32 people can be NFL HCs. You have to seize the opportunity whenever & wherever it arises.

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You don't get many shots to be a head coach, and if the GM and owners are both incompetent, setting your opportunity as a head coach up for failure before it even begins, you don't take it. Maybe that is why Demeco isn't interested, or it could be because he dislikes the franchise(he did have a lawsuit against fhe franchise for his career ending injury)

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In the case of Demeco, I think the bad feelings still linger from his departure with the Texans.

If you fail with one team due to incompetent management, you're likely to get another chance, especially when you have HC experience. Kind of similar to how college coaches advance to better jobs.