Two years ago, Wade Phillips passed on the chance to interview for the head-coaching position in Tampa. That doesn’t mean the three-time former head coach doesn’t want to be the next head coach of the Texans.
Phillips has made it clear that he’s interested in removing the “interim” label from the job he inherited after Gary Kubiak was fired last week. In fact, Phillips won’t say that he’s willing to remain as the team’s defensive coordinator, if someone else gets the coaching job.
“I would never say that, because then they wouldn’t hire you as the head coach,” Phillips said Monday, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “I’m not going to fall for that one.”
Appearing on Tuesday’s PFT Live, McClain said that he doesn’t believe Phillips will be viewed as a serious candidate for the job. If, however, the team can break an eleven-game losing streak and win the next three games, Phillips’ candidacy could gain some steam.
McClain also said that G.M. Rick Smith remains entirely safe, and that any candidate who is offered the job but who doesn’t want Smith setting the table will not be the next coach of the team.
Another intriguing topic -- what will the Texans do if they “earn” the first overall pick in the draft? Though some have dismissed the possibility that McNair would want Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, McClain thinks McNair would have no qualms about adding the 2012 Heisman winner to the team, if his stock rises to the point where the pick is justified.