Coach Gary Kubiak started his intense scrutiny of himself and his staff on Monday. By two days after the end of the season, he decided to make changes by firing defensive coordinator Richard Smith, defensive backs coach Jon Hoke and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin.

The Texans finished 22nd in defense this season, including 23rd against the run and 17th against the pass. They also were 27th in points allowed. Their struggles in the first half of the season were a major reason for the team not being in playoff contention down the stretch.

Linebacker DeMeco Ryans said he was glad his position coach, Johnny Holland, will be remaining with the team, but he added it’s tough to see the others he had respect for, like Smith, leave.

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, dissatisfied with the slow development of a defense featuring three first-round picks, fired coordinator Richard Smith and two other assistants Tuesday.

The Houston Texans have fired three defensive coaches, including coordinator Richard Smith.

The Houston Texans have fired defensive coordinator Richard Smith, secondary coach Jon Hoke and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin.

One day after the Texans ended the regular season with a victory over Chicago to finish 8-8 for the second consecutive season, coach Gary Kubiak refused to discuss possible changes on his coaching staff.

“I’ve been meeting with players since 6 this morning,” Kubiak said. “We’re still going through the evaluation process.”

Kubiak said he would like to have back assistant head coach Alex Gibbs, who came out of retirement and signed a one-year contract. Gibbs will let Kubiak know at some point if he wants to return for a second season. Kubiak said he expects to have back Ray Rhodes, the assistant secondary coach who tutored the safeties.

Beginning Sunday - even before the Texans defeated Chicago 31-24 - there were national reports that the defensive staff,…

I’m in a Hooters in downtown Phoenix, Arizona and the Houston Texans are losing to the Oakland Raiders.

Trust me. That is what Lovie Smith said when defensive coordinator Ron Rivera was run off days after the Bears’ Super Bowl loss two years ago and Bob Babich was promoted into the role.

Bears: Showing lot of heart with two straight OT wins. Must win to have shot at division or wild card, but they’ll take care of their end.

Eugene Wilson doesn’t care to talk about those five seasons with the New England Patriots, the three Super Bowls or his two championship rings.

Because of the inequity of the NFL’s playoff structure, the Patriots and Ravens would have a legitimate gripe if they are left out of the playoffs while the winner of the lowly AFC West gets in.