REPORT: Texans ‘Moving Towards’ Hiring DC Lovie Smith As Their Next Head Coach

The Houston Texans head-coaching search took a wild turn on Sunday night when it was reported that the team’s defensive coordinator Lovie Smith had emerged as the favorite to become the team’s next head coach:

Texans are now in talks with their associate head coach and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith about potentially becoming their next head coach, sources tell me and @fieldyates.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2022

A deal is not done but it is “headed that way” according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:

The #Texans are moving towards naming Lovie Smith their head coach for 2022, sources tell @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo and me.

No deal is done, but it’s headed that way.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2022

Earlier this week, it was reported that the three finalists for the Texans head-coaching job were Brian Flores, Josh McCown and Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Johnathan Gannon. The team then informed Gannon that he was no longer in the running for the job, leaving just Flores and McCown.

But then the Texans pivoted away from the two remaining finalists and had their sights set on Smith, who’s the teams defensive coordinator.

Smith went 81-63 with three playoffs appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl XLI, while head coach of the Chicago Bears (2004-2012). He then coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two seasons (2014-2015), compiling an 8-24 record.