Texans Hire Lovie Smith as Next Coach

The Texans have named Love Smith as the team’s new coach in a release. The team also announced that it is promoting passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton to offensive coordinator. 

“I have so many friends, family, teammates and coaches to thank for supporting me and helping me continue to do what I love, which is teaching and developing players,” Smith said in the release. “I understand the responsibility I have to this organization and this city to develop a championship-level program. I'm ready to get to work and build it together.”

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer first reported the news Monday that signs were being pointed toward Smith being hired as their next coach.

On Sunday night, ESPN reported that Houston had included Smith, the team’s associate head coach last year, in their discussions throughout the search. Smith’s name gained traction in the process.

Prior to serving as Houston’s defensive coordinator in 2021, the 63-year-old served as the coach at the University of Illinois from 2016 to ’20. He was fired after the ’20 season after posting a 17–39 record with the Illini.

Smith has also served as a coach at the NFL level, posting an 89–87 record in 11 total seasons with the Bears and Buccaneers. He led Chicago to the Super Bowl in 2006, then his third year with the Bears.

The Texans also interviewed Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, former Dolphins coach Brian Flores and former Steelers wide receiver and current FAU receivers coach Hines Ward for the position. 

Smith is replacing David Culley, who was fired on Jan. 13 after a 4–13 record in his one season with the team.

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