Player-wise, the Texans do not have a lot of big-time players heading into free agency. Their main priority will rest on settling a deal with CB Dunta Robinson, who is looking for more money as he goes forward. Robinson returned in October from a year-long rehabilitation for a knee/hamstring injury. The team went 7-4 once he returned to the roster and 5-1 when he returned to the starting lineup.

COACHING CAROUSEL: Coach Gary Kubiak is safe for at least one more season. While the Texans still missed the playoffs and failed to post a winning record, the team made progress, especially on offense. Houston finished third in the league in total offense and boasted the league's leading receiver, Andre Johnson, and the rookie rushing champion, Steve Slaton.

The defense didn't make the major strides the Texans had hoped for, and it cost defensive coordinator Richard Smith his job. Houston finished 22nd in the league in total defense. One possibility for a replacement for Smith could be Frank Bush, who assisted Jethro Franklin as the defensive line coach last season. Bush was originally Kubiak's No. 1 choice for a defensive coordinator, but Bush was unable to get out of his previous contract at the time.

Ray Rhodes, who was an assistant defensive backs coach last season, is expected to return, but Kubiak said he was unsure of what role Rhodes would have.

FREE AGENT UPDATE: CB Dunta Robinson will receive the most attention from the Texans this offseason. He is a candidate to get the franchise tag -- something he does not want. Robinson is looking for a long-term deal that will pay him around what the top corners in the game are being paid. But the Texans may hesitate to sign him for so long considering he is not yet back to full strength from the serious injury he suffered more than a year ago. Robinson is a definite boost to the defense though, and the Texans do want him back.

S C.C. Brown is another free agent whom the Texans will try to re-sign. He has been a starter most of his career with the team. He has the versatility to play both safety positions, but a season-ending injury this year hurts his chances to get a big pay raise. The Texans will look to re-sign him though.

FEELING A DRAFT: The Texans are slated to draft 15th in April, and their top priority likely will be finding a defensive end capable of getting to the quarterback. They spent last offseason looking for a player capable of complementing Mario Williams on the opposite side and never found one. But this year, that tops the list as the Texans remain one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the league, despite boasting one of the league's best rushers in Williams.

The Texans also need help in the secondary, especially at safety. And their depth at linebacker is thin. A late-round back that fits well in the zone-blocking scheme and has some size to complement Steve Slaton will also be looked at.

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive end: The pass rush was spotty in 2008, and speed and power off the edge is needed to help free up Mario Williams more and get to opposing quarterbacks.

Running back: The Texans need a big back who fits the zone-blocking scheme and can move the pile in the red zone and bully his way into the end zone.

Safety: A hard-hitting safety capable of intimidating tight ends across the middle would boost a secondary that needs help at cornerback as well.

MEDICAL WATCH:

No major injuries or surgeries at this point.