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Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair said Monday night that the team is close to signing head coach Gary Kubiak to an extension. He's heading into the final year of his original five-year deal, and the Texans will not allow him to enter the season without a new deal.Most of Kubiak's assistant coaches are under contract until 2012, so it's likely that Kubiak's extension would take him at least to the 2012 season as well.
"We're in the process of working on Gary's extension," McNair said. "And I think probably by next week, we'll have his finalized. His will run at least one year longer than [2012], maybe more."
Since Kubiak took over the Texans four years ago, the team has gone from one of the league's punching bags, to a team to be reckoned with. The team went 6-10 back in 2006, his first year at the helm, but since then has not had a losing season.
After two back-to-back .500 season in 2007 and 2008, the Texans had their first winning season in franchise history this year by posting a 9-7 mark and narrowly missing out on the playoffs.
"I think Gary's done a good job," McNair continued. "We have a great foundation in place. I think continuity's extremely important in building a strong team. It can impact free agency."
Texans' quarterback Matt Schaub also had his breakout season this year under Kubiak's guidance with 4,770 yards (sixth-highest of all-time), 29 touchdowns to 15 interceptions, completed 68 percent of his passes and, most importantly, started all 16 games for the first time in his career.
The Texans are improving not only offensively, but defensively as well, and with a few pieces added this offseason should be a team recognized as a legitimate contender. They were my surprise pick for the playoffs this season, and will be again next season barring a key preseason injury or something of the like.
Gary Kubiak is a big reason for that success, and certainly deserves any extension he gets.
Which, for the record, will probably be a three-year extension worth about $13-15 million, perhaps more.
