The Houston Texans are expected to sign Lovie Smith as their next head coach, per ESPN . Smith has been involved with the Texans organization for some time. Smith is replacing David Culley, who was fired mid-January. Out of the 32 teams, the Texans’ defense under Smith ranked 23rd. Yet, they had 25 takeaways in 2021. They ranked 11th, just outside of the top ten in takeaways.
Lovie Smith, whom Texans are interviewing to potentially become their new head coach, has been to two Super Bowls, once as head coach of the Bears, another as Rams defensive coordinator. Big Sandy native, former all-state LB member of Texas Sports Hall of Fame. @LovieSmith https://t.co/kHlOdP27Z6
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 7, 2022
“I’m honored to be the new head coach of the Houston Texans and thrilled to keep working with Nick,” Smith stated. “I have countless people to thank – friends, family, teammates, and coaches – for their unwavering support.” They supported me in pursuing my passion for teaching and player development. I recognize my duty to this organization and community in creating a winning program. I’m eager to start working and build it alongside everyone.”
Lovie Smith’s coaching history
Smith has head coaching experience in the NFL. Many forget he coached the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He coached the Bears from 2004 to 2012, and he remained on the Buccaneers staff for a season, 2014 to 2015. Former Texans coach Culley and his staff welcomed Smith with open arms after his termination from the University of Illinois; Smith’s position as Illinois’ head coach ended after five seasons.
Smith’s overall record as an NFL head coach is 89-87. In 2005, the AP Coach of the Year award named Lovie Smith as its recipient. Smith joins a small company of minority coaches, New York Jets’ Robert Saleh, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin, and Washington Commanders Ron Rivera.
Smith was chosen by the Texans and McDaniel by the Dolphins following a lawsuit filed by former Miami head coach Brian Flores alleging racial discrimination within the NFL and multiple teams. However, the trend of hiring predominantly white candidates persists, with six out of the nine filled head coach positions being held by white individuals.
The real issue or cause for concern here is if the Texans hire Smith strictly off the merit of their lack of minority coaches in the NFL. They’ve noticed several teams are under fire for having faulty practices. They possibly looked to bypass the controversy by standing out.
What does the Houston Texans’ future look like?
The Texans will not receive compensatory draft picks through the Smith hire. Under the Rooney Rule, teams receive two third-round picks for developing a minority assistant who’s hired for an head coach job. Due to Smith being already on their staff this rule will not apply to the Texans. Therefore, they will not receive compensation.
“I think Lovie’s a good coach. Smith’s done a lot for our program. Our system and our players have a lot of belief in him,” Caserio said.
