Texans GM Nick Caserio: Brian Flores lawsuit didn't lead to hiring Lovie Smith

It was reported last week that former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, longtime quarterback Josh McCown and Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon were the three finalists to become the next head coach of the Houston Texans. However, the Texans went in a different direction and ultimately promoted associate head coach and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. 

Flores shocked the football community when he filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL, Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New York Giants last week alleging acts of racial discrimination in interview processes and related to his recent dismissal from Miami. In a statement shared by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Flores said on Monday that his lawsuit prevented him from winning the Houston job, but general manager Nick Caserio poured cold water over that idea during Tuesday's press event to introduce Smith as the next head coach. 

"I would say it didn’t affect us at all," Caserio explained, according to PFT's Josh Alper. "Speaking specific to Brian, I’ve known Brian a long time personally and professionally. I have a lot of respect for Brian as a coach and a person. He was a part of this process. He’s been a good coach in this league for a number of years. Part of my responsibility was to spend time with as many quality candidates as possible, and Brian was one of those."

In Monday's statement, Flores' lawyers remarked: 

"Mr. Flores is happy to hear that the Texans have hired a Black head coach, Lovie Smith, as Mr. Flores’ goal in bringing his case is to provide real opportunities for Black and minority candidates to be considered for coaching and executive positions within the NFL. However, we would be remiss not to mention that Mr. Flores was one of three finalists for the Texans’ head coach position and, after a great interview and mutual interest, it is obvious that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up against racial inequality across the NFL."