Texans extend general manager Rick Smith through 2020
The Texans have extended the contract of general manager Rick Smith through the 2020 season, the Houston Chronicle reported Friday.
Smith is in his 11th season as Texans GM, taking the role in June 2006. He is only the second general manager in team history, succeeding Charley Casserley.
“Rick is an important part of our organization,” owner Bob McNair said in a statement, according to Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston. “We really think that we've got all of the pieces together and we want to keep them that way. So one of the things that we needed to do was to go ahead and extend Rick, and that's what we've done. We've given him a four-year extension. He's very happy and we're very happy. He's done a fine job, and I think he'll just keep getting better each year. We're very fortunate to have him.”
Smith has drafted players including J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins and Brian Cushing during his tenure. The Texans signed quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller this off-season and are well-positioned to improve after winning the AFC South last season.
