It’s always good to see old friends like Lovie Smith find new gigs.
Even if it’s in a situation that doesn’t seem all that stable right now:
The #Texans have agreed to terms on a deal with Lovie Smith to make him David Culley’s defensive defensive coordinator, source says. Smith is back in the NFL and will be calling the plays for Houston.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 29, 2021
Lovie Smith, the third most successful coach in Chicago Bears history, is back in the NFL. The latest chapter in Smith’s career takes him to Houston, where he’ll serve as the Texans’ defensive coordinator. It’s a return to his roots for Smith, who was a defensive play-caller for three years before he took the Bears’ head-coaching gig in 2004. But it’s also a homecoming for the Gladewater, Texas, native. Coaching in his home state is probably a thrill for the 62-year-old. And to that end, I’m happy for him.
Smith was the University of Illinois’ football coach from 2016-2020. That experience wasn’t all that great for Illini football fans, but that doesn’t take away from the overall successes of Smith’s career. Smith posted an 81-63 record in nine years as Bears head coach from 2004-2012. Only George Halas (324) and Mike Ditka (112) have more wins than Smith, whose run included five winning seasons. Four of those were 10+ win years, which shouldn’t be taken for granted. There were only three postseason appearances for Smith’s Bears, but that 2006 playoff run that ended with a Super Bowl appearance was the most memorable thing to happen for the franchise since January 1986.
The Bears aren’t scheduled to play the Texans for another four years. And I’m not sure if Houston’s coaching staff will be in tact as is when the two teams meet. But in the meantime, we wish him luck moving forward. Considering the instability within the Texans’ organization, he’ll probably need it.