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. He said he looks forward to seeing what happens next with the defense.

"I think some things need to be changed about our defense philosophy-wise," Ryans said. "I don't know what kind of coach they'll bring in -- one who likes to blitz all the time or a Cover 2 guy. Whoever it is, I do know this: It's up to us to execute the defense that's called. I'm confident that we have the talent to adapt to whatever style they want to play.

"As a linebacker, I want to be part of a more aggressive scheme. I want to blitz. I want to get after people. We did more of that over the second half, and I thought we did well with it."

Now that the coaching changes have been made, the players are bracing themselves for roster changes. Safety Nick Ferguson said he hopes to remain with the team as the new chapter unfolds.

"You just hope you are not part of that change," Ferguson said. "And anything negative that happens to someone because of that change, you just hope they are able to find a job and continue in their craft. I wish the coaches the best in their future endeavors. Hopefully they get another opportunity to coach in this league so they can show exactly what they are made of."

A lot of pressure will rest on the new defensive coordinator and defensive line coach to get a line that features three first-rounders to live up to expectations.

The defensive linemen were the ones most surprised by the firings Tuesday, because of how much they liked Franklin.

"I'm upset about it," defensive tackle Travis Johnson said. "Jethro's (firing) just shocked me. I'm hurt by the decision, to tell you the truth.

"At the same time, I guess it's not my decision to make. If it's what's best for the team, then I'm for it."

Part of the reason for Johnson's shock was because in 2007, Franklin was hired to help in the development of Mario Williams, who recorded 26 of his 30.5 career sacks under Franklin's tutelage.

"The previous year (2006), everyone was saying Mario was about to be a bust," Johnson said. "All of sudden, Mario was the greatest defensive end in the league. (Franklin) had us playing ball."

Their improvement didn't show in the league rankings, however. This season, the Texans were 27th in the NFL with just 25 sacks.

"I'm not sure if it's because of the sack numbers that (Franklin's) gone, but I do know I've never been unprepared going into a game under him," defensive end Anthony Weaver said.

The players are now waiting to see what comes next and what their new coordinator brings.

"Sometimes you just need a new direction," cornerback Dunta Robinson said. "We have to find a new direction. We need an identity. Are we going to be a man defense or a zone defense? Are we going to blitz or play safe? We need a (coordinator) who'll make sure we know what he wants."