TThe last team that did not decide to fill the head coach vacancy did so this Monday. Houston Texans started an official rumor about the promotion of the defense coordinator Lovy Smith as successor David Cooleywho was fired after only one season at the helm.
Lovie Smith overtakes Brian Flores and Josh McKeown
The process was long, but it was this weekend that Smith was named to the list of candidates after a former NFL quarterback was among the finalists for the position. Josh McKeownwho has been interviewed several times for a job, and a controversial Brian Flowerswho was fired by the Miami Dolphins on the same day as Callie.
Flores was one of three finalists despite filing a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams (Dolphins, New York Giants and Denver Broncos) on issues related to racism in employment, among other things.
“I’m excited to introduce Lovie Smith as our next head coach,” the Texans general manager said. Nick Caserio said. “He is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL and a recognized leader. Proven to be effective, Lovi has demonstrated for years the ability to develop players both on and off the field. We have had many discussions with countless coaches, managers and players. , and it turned out that Lovi has both the leadership and people skills needed to lead us forward. have achieved sustained success.”
First black head coach in the Super Bowl
Lovie Smith returned to the NFL this year after four years in University of Illinoisbut his greatest accomplishment was that he, along with Tony Dungy, became the first two black head coaches to reach the Super Bowl while he was in charge. The Chicago Bears will play the Indianapolis Colts for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. in the XLI edition.
Smith lasted nine seasons (from 2004 to 2012) at the helm of the Bears, compiling an 81–63 overall record, and spent two years in the same position with the Bears. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014 and 2015) with an 8-24 record.
“I want to first thank Nick Caserio and McNair family for giving me the opportunity,” Smith said. “I am proud to be the next head coach of the Houston Texans and incredibly excited to continue working with Nick. I have so many friends, relatives, teammates and coaches whom I thank for their support and help in what I love, which is the training and development of players. I understand my responsibility to this organization and this city to develop a championship level program. I’m ready to get to work and build it together.”
Second current black head coach in the NFL.
Smith would become the second active black head coach in the NFL. Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers.