HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans hired Alex Gibbs as assistant
head coach and promoted Kyle Shanahan to offensive coordinator, two
media outlets reported Wednesday.
The Texans would not confirm the moves, reported by the Houston
Chronicle and Houston television station KRIV. Coach Gary Kubiak
did not immediately return a phone message from The Associated
Press.
Gibbs and Shanahan will take over for Mike Sherman, who served
both roles before leaving to become the head coach at Texas A&M.
Gibbs, 66, worked for the Denver Broncos for 13 seasons, when
Kubiak was a backup quarterback and then the offensive coordinator
under Mike Shanahan, Kyle's father.
"Alex is an outstanding coach, and we're fortunate to get
him," Kubiak told the Chronicle. "I'm not sure how long we'll
have him, but whether it's one year, two years or longer, we've got
to soak up his knowledge of the game."
In promoting the 28-year-old Shanahan, Kubiak said age wasn't a
concern.
"I've worked side-by-side with him, and his knowledge of
attacking coverages is beyond his years," Kubiak said. "I think
he's going to make an excellent play-caller, too."
Shanahan will continue to work as Houston's quarterbacks coach,
the position he held last season, KRIV reported.
"I feel very good about what we have done," Kubiak told KRIV.
"I feel we have a great staff."