Oiler Owner Says Pardee Will Return

Jack Pardee will coach the Houston Oilers again next year, owner Bud Adams said Saturday.

During a season in which they have had to cope with the death of a teammate, the Oilers overcame a 1-4 start to win their second AFC Central title in three years. Houston has won 10 consecutive games, including last Sunday’s victory over Pittsburgh less than a week after the suicide of lineman Jeff Alm.

“I don’t see any reason to make a change,” Adams told the Houston Chronicle. “We overcame a lot of distractions and adversity, and it started at the top with Jack. A coach has to produce, and I think he has.”

Adams also said he wants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan to return. The two have publicly feuded over the offense, but Adams doesn’t believe their differences reduce their effectiveness.

“I don’t want to see either one of them leave,” Adams said. “I’m not saying everything is peaches and cream between them, but each works his own area, and both of them have done good jobs.”