Lovie Smith is one and done in Houston

Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair released a statement through the team saying he and general manager Nick Caserio informed Smith they were moving in a different direction on Sunday night. 

"We are grateful for his leadership and character, and we wish him the best moving forward," McNair said. "While we understand the results have not been what we had hoped for, we are committed to building a program that produces long-term, sustainable success." 

Smith did leave the Texans with a parting gift they won't soon forget. Before being shown the door, Smith cost the Texans the No. 1 pick in this summer's NFL draft in perhaps the sweetest way possible. 

Trailing the Indianapolis Colts by seven late in the fourth quarter, Texans' quarterback Davis Mills connected on an incredible 28-yard touchdown on fourth and long, bringing the Texans to within a point of tying the game. However, Smith wanted to win. The Texans converted a successful two-point conversion, and Houston walked away with a one-point victory, 32-31, handing the Chicago Bears (3-14) the top draft selection. 

When hiring Smith to be head coach last February, the Texans promoted from within. Smith was Texans' defensive coordinator and associate head coach in 2021, working on David Culley's staff, who Houston fired following a 4-13 finish. 

After parting with Smith, the Texans will begin a head coaching search for the fourth-straight offseason. 

Per a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, top candidates for the Texans' job include Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, a former Texan.