Lovie Smith served as the Texans' defensive coordinator this past season. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans are reportedly moving toward a surprising head-coaching hire and may already be preparing to assemble a coaching staff.

The Texans are eyeing Pep Hamilton as offensive coordinator under Lovie Smith, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Hamilton spent the 2021 season as the Texans’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Hamilton is widely regarded for his offensive prowess. He has extensive experience at both the college and NFL levels, and was reportedly on one other potential coach’s staff shortlist. Promoting him from his current role is completely logical if Smith is ultimately hired.

Smith is the sudden favorite to become Houston’s head coach next season. If that does happen and Hamilton is promoted to offensive coordinator, the quarterbacks coach job would become open, which might be a good place for a guy the Texans clearly love.

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