Lawyers for Brian Flores release a statement: “Mr. Flores is delighted to hear that the Texans have hired a black head coach, Lovy Smith… it is clear that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up. against racial inequality in the NFL”
The Houston Texans have hired Lovie Smith as their next head coach, the team announced Monday.
The Texans are Smith’s third job as an NFL head coach in his career. He has an 89-87 regular season record, including an 81-63 record with the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012. Smith has been 8-24 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2014-15.
Smith took the Bears from 5-11 in 2004 to 11-5 a year later, winning Coach of the Year honors. He also led Chicago to the Super Bowl 13–3 in the 2006 season, but they lost to the Indianapolis Colts.
“[Smith] “One of the most respected coaches in the NFL and a recognized leader,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said in a statement released by the team. “A proven winner, Lovi has demonstrated the ability to develop players both on the field and over his years.”
Smith himself said of his hiring, “I am proud to be the next head coach of the Houston Texans and incredibly excited to continue working with Nick.
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“I understand my responsibility to this organization and this city for developing a program at the championship level. I’m ready to get to work and build it together.”
The Texans chose Smith over finalists Josh McCown and Brian Flores. Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who also had two job interviews, was informed over the weekend that he would not be hired.
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Flores filed a racial discrimination lawsuit last week against the NFL, the Dolphins, the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos.
Among other allegations, Flores alleges that Miami owner Steven Ross offered him $100,000 for each loss in 2019 so the team could improve its draft position. Ross denies the allegations.
