Former Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson once wrote “pay me, Rick” on his cleats, a message to G.M. Rick Smith that got Robinson fined. Texans director of pro scouting Brian Gaine probably didn’t write “promote me, Rick” on his necktie.
Gaine didn’t need to. Per multiple reports, and as first reported by our friends at 610 SportsRadio in Houston, the Texans will promote Gaine to the previously-vacant position of director of player personnel.
Gaine had been interviewed to be coach Chip Kelly’s personnel table-setter in Philly. The promotion doesn’t block the Eagles from taking him; the Texans already could have stopped the move unless Gaine would have acquired final say over personnel and the draft in Philly, or if his contract were expiring. But Gaine’s acceptance of the promotion strongly implies he won’t be leaving.
A year ago, Gaine went from being the assistant G.M. in Miami and under consideration for the promotion to Jeff Ireland’s job to being out of work. He landed on his feet in Houston, and he’s climbing the ladder in Houston. Gaine is now one rung below executive V.P. of football operations and G.M. Rick Smith.
The move means that the Texans will need to find a new director of college scouting (Mike Macaggnan became the G.M. of the Jets) and a new director pro personnel, a position that tracks players who are or who may be available after they have entered the league.
For the Eagles, the search continues for a guy who won’t have final say and who essentially will be the buffer between Kelly and executive V.P. of football operations Howie Roseman. Is anyone surprised it’s taking a while to find someone who will do it?