One of the reasons quarterback Matt Leinart signed with the Texans is because he wants to be coached by Gary Kubiak.

While Texans general manager Rick Smith and agent Tom Condon were agreeing on a one-year contract Monday, Leinart was being wooed long distance by Kubiak.

“I’m excited for this opportunity,” Leinart said after arriving in Houston on Monday night. “I’m looking for a new start. Obviously, things didn’t go the way I wanted (at Arizona), but it’s time to move on.

“The Texans are a great organization, and I’m really looking forward to working with coach Kubiak.”

Kubiak, a backup during his nine-year career with Denver, likes working with quarterbacks. He called Leinart and talked to him about the benefits of playing for the Texans.

“When I talked to Matt on the phone, I was so impressed with him,” Kubiak said. “He wants to be here. He said, ‘Coach, they (Cardinals) are starting over, and I need a new start, too.’

“He didn’t make excuses for what happened there. There was no bull to him. I like that.”

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Leinart, 27, comes to the Texans as the third quarterback behind Matt Schaub and Dan Orlovsky.

“We’re fortunate to get a player like Matt,” Kubiak said. “I like him a lot. This is a positive move for our organization. Matt fits what we do.

“We’re going to coach the heck out of him. Dan’s still No. 2, but Matt’s going to battle him for that job. Sometimes, a player needs a change of scenery, and when he gets it, it can do him some good.”

Leinart (6-5, 232 pounds) will have to learn a new system. When he figures it out, he will be given a chance to win the backup job.

“I’ve heard great things about him,” Leinart said about his new coach. “I was aware of him and his reputation with quarterbacks before I came into this league.

“I’ve got buddies who played for him, and they’ve told me how much he’s going to help me develop. I know he can make me a better player. I’m ready to get going.”

Leinart will be given time to develop under Kubiak, offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp.

After winning two national titles and the Heisman Trophy at USC, Leinart was selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2006 draft. He played behind Kurt Warner and, when Warner retired after last season, Leinart wasn’t able to beat out Derek Anderson for the starting job.

“I’m here to learn and to do everything I can to help my team win,” Leinart said. “I learned a lot with the Cardinals. Now I’m prepared to learn more. I matured as a player and as a person. Arizona has great players and great fans. I wish them the best.” john.mcclain@chron.com