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Lovie Smith Fired
- Thread starter zshawn10
- Start date
cuppacoffee
Resident Grouch
We all have an opinion of what transpired. They just differ.
Couple of posters thinking they know it all, repeating it ad nauseam, doesn't make it true either.
Texian
Hall of Fame
It's not just Watson shenanigans. It's also Cal and Caserio. Who is coming to Houston? NOBODY (worth a damn).
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
This audio and that 2 point conversion proves Lovie was still working for Chicago the whole time.
Your response about Culley. He was hired at a time the franchise was in more disarray. I ask again. What coach was coming her with Watson possibly having gone to jail?
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
Texian
Hall of Fame
The same coaches not coming to Houston because of Cal and Caserio.
I'm not a blame Caserio kind of guy. He's only carrying water for his idiot owners. His ability to build a team will ultimately be hampered by their meddling ways.
Porky
Hall of Fame
Shhh, let them live in their delusion. The real world is too scary.
MEGA SWATT
All Pro
bye. thx for the #2 pick
Mangler
Toro de España
The clown literally copied and pasted three different tweets that were other people’s opinions (not facts) and is pretending to have inside knowledge. No one is turning down a HC job opportunity. NO ONE!
Mangler
Toro de España
uck that guy! He stole that $25M cause he sure as hell didn’t deserve it! I wonder if he thanked them big scary “racist” (according to RG3 and a few posters) white peoples for gifting his sorry ass that type of money? Did he really say that?
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Trail.Blazr
Hooked up to a Kool-Aid IV
And you’d rather management make the hire?I'll blame Caserio for the teams sorry coaching hires as soon as he is allowed by management to hire the coach.
Speedy
Former Yeller Dweller
Who is this clown? John Breech? What a moron!
- Winner: Lovie Smith. It might seem odd that I have Lovie listed as a winner considering he just got fired, but he gets to leave a dysfunctional organization and he ended his career in Houston with a wild win that guaranteed the Texans won't be getting the No. 1 overall pick. Any time you can screw someone over who's about to fire you, you have to do it.
NFL Week 18 winners and losers, plus Kliff Kingsbury fired by Cardinals and ranking the playoff teams
Here's everything you need to know about the NFL for Jan. 9www.cbssports.com
He’s not wrong. I wouldn’t think Lovie to be that petty but then he certainly whipped out his balls all of a sudden and threw them in a wheelbarrow in his last decision made as a Texan. Something he never did the other 17 weeks of the season, especially week 1.
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
narratives on both sides…but its clear as day whose making these final decisions and its not Caserio.
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
cause its bunk thats why. Patently blatant BS for all these Armchair GM’s in here to act like it was as easy as going out and picking up a Sean McVay off the shelf at Walmart lol. All the crap DW4 had this franchise embroiled in….All the crap BoB/Easterby had done to the talent on the team, cap and draft capital…all the crap the Texans org was embroiled in by itself…no hot young HC candidate was trying to come here..especially in 2021.
I would add the same coaches not coming here because the GM wants to hire his coaching staff or the owner wants to keep the DC or the EVP of football operations wants to stalk the NRG hallways or the GM wants to be on a headset or Watson's shenanigans?
IMHO. I think the "who would come here" question is a weak argument. Regardless how dysfunctional the team, there are only 32 jobs. I don't recall ever hearing "no one wanted that NFL job". Shoot, if I wanted an old, bridge HC, before hiring Culley or even Lovie, I would have hired Wade Phillips or Jim Caldwell.
Even if they were trying to "appease" Watson. Only a moron would think that Culley would be a more credible or convincing HC hire than Caldwell.
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
Its a strong argument…you’re just confused about what the argument is. Lol. Its never been a question of finding someone…anyone to take the job. The David Culley, Hue Jackson’s & Freddie Kitchens’ of the world are plentiful and would’ve gladly taken it if offered to them. The argument is FINDING SOMEONE GOOD to take it. All those guys? Well, they have/had options with other organizations who were better positioned for them to come in & have success quickly.
For any of those guys to come in & take the gig, they would’ve had to concede at least 2 years of sucking..& those guys weren’t willing to risk their careers to do that…& I don’t blame them at all. Now? The situation is worlds different. We are 1 of the more attractive jobs open.
zshawn10
All Pro
Here's the transcript from the presser:
Calhoun:
Good evening everyone. Thanks for coming. We spoke with Lovie last night and informed him we’ll be moving in different direction. These decisions are difficult. Appreciate everything he has done the past 2 years as a coach and leader. Felt this was the best decision for us at this time. Last 2 seasons not what we hoped for but committed to building a successful program long term.
Dealt with unprecedented circumstances last several years
Excited about our future, where we’re headed
Constantly evaluating, looking for ways to improve and reaching out to our fan base, whether that’s uniform changes or making head coach changes.
Always looking to up our game in every area and take our organization to the next level. Now we’re committed to getting this one right.
Full confidence in Nick. Led our football operation through a difficult stretch. Continues to prove to be an elite talent evaluator.
We talk constantly and have a plan for this process we’ll execute together.
With this hire, I’ll be taking on a more active role in this process.
Virtual interviews this week and can begin in person interviews after wild card games
As we conduct formal interviews, we’ll operate transparently, keeping media and fans updated on our progress.
Strong list of candidates.
We’ll pick the best coach to take this team into our next future with significant draft capital, salary cap space and a young roster.
Excited and optimistic about what’s possible moving forward on the field.
Nick Caserio:
Important for myself to acknowledge contributions Lovie provided in different roles. Appreciation/admiration for Lovie. Had positive impact on different people. After research and evaluation, felt this was best for our program. A long road ahead of us.
Started process of identifying candidates. A lot of work ahead of us. Disappointed about where we are currently. I take as much responsibility and I’m accountable to everyone in this building. Excited about opportunity ahead of us. Didn’t get the results on field we wanted but opportunity here as we turn the page. … Only way to get better is look at all facets of operation. Already talked about implementing techniques and tactics that can help us. Trying to be proactive. Only way to improve is acknowledge deficiencies and where there are strengths. Hard day, rough day but thoughtful and productive day. Met with all coaches on the staff. Had opportunity to meet with the team. My message was accountability and I took responsibility. This is a player’s league. Our commitment is to find the best people to move this program in a positive direction. We put ourselves in a decent position. No one wants to hear words, people want action.
What in your process needed to change?
Including more voices, more people, utilizing resources in the building…candidly allowing other people to be part of the process. We have an opportunity to get it right. Only way to improve is to find ways to improve. You have to be committed to making improvements. We want to see progress is as many areas as possible. As far as the process, we’re going through that. Don’t want to get into detail/depth but utilizing resources readily available that we didn’t previously.
Hire/Fire Cullen, Hire/Fire Lovie…How does that work with everything you’re trying to accomplish?
We have to improve and get better. Each year is its own entity. Can I do a better job? Absolutely. We’ll try to find ways to improve, make sound decisions. Disappointed that the position we’re in. I won’t hold anyone accountable other than myself. I’m committed to trying to get it fixed, get it right.
Why should any black coach feel they can trust you?
Each individual will have to make that choice. It’s not about race. It’s about finding quality coaches. In the end, each coach has their own belief, own philosophy, own comfort level about what we’re doing. If they feel it’s not the right situation, I have to accept it.
Status of staff?
Met with staff today. Fluid process. Look at each situation individually. New coach will have a say, input. They may have other opportunities or with a new staff, we’ll keep an open line of communication. Try to be honest and open but a fluid situation. Hard to get clarity for the next 2-3 weeks because of hiring practices. We’ll try to be as open as possible and keep them abreast as best we can.
How do you address the instability/credibility questions if it comes up?
Only way to handle that is be honest, open, get their feedback. Whoever we speak with, there will have to be open communication. …
What can you tell candidates (job security) if they only win 5 games the next 2 years?
Everything factors in. You want to see progress. How is that progress measured? There’s a number of different ways. In addition to W/L, there are other things you have to evaluate. It’s not about one particular thing, one particular player or one particular result. …
Who decides next head coach?
My recommendation to ownership. Cal/Hannah own the team. In the end, owner has the trump card.
Why will this process yield better results?
I don’t know if it guarantees results. Nothing is guaranteed. Ignorant of me to say changing our process will lead to X number of wins. Nothing is guaranteed. All we’re guaranteed is an opportunity. The clock is ticking, time is short. Expectations are high. If I don’t do my job well enough, at some point, decisions will have to be made.
Why should people have confidence in you (getting chance to hire a 3rd HC)?
Appreciative of the support of Cal/Hannah. There’s no guarantees. I’ll do the best job I can. We’ve made progress in some areas but not enough. I’m gonna hold myself accountable. Only thing I can do is come up with solutions. If it’s good enough, it will be and if not, I’ll have to deal with the consequences.
You hired 2 coaches who never had a shot to be successful. They’re not here but you are. How do you answer that?
That’s fair. Only thing I can do is show up every day and do the best to my ability. If whoever we hire doesn’t feel my role or position I’m in, I understand that and accept that. Leadership position, leadership, prioritize players, mission for the building, work in collaboration, no one size fits all. …
How involved was Easterby in the previous search(es)? Do you fear for your job?
In the end, it’s about accountability. I’m gonna work my ass off. That’s my commitment. It’s not about an individual. Utilizing the resources we have available that maybe we didn’t have prior.
Only thing I can say, I’m doing the best I can for the organization. My responsibility and job is to evaluate everything from a football standpoint. Have we gotten everything right? No. … There are players who want to be here. They believe in what we’re doing. I believe we’re moving in the right direction. I’m gonna be here as long as I can to see it through.
Calhoun:
Good evening everyone. Thanks for coming. We spoke with Lovie last night and informed him we’ll be moving in different direction. These decisions are difficult. Appreciate everything he has done the past 2 years as a coach and leader. Felt this was the best decision for us at this time. Last 2 seasons not what we hoped for but committed to building a successful program long term.
Dealt with unprecedented circumstances last several years
Excited about our future, where we’re headed
Constantly evaluating, looking for ways to improve and reaching out to our fan base, whether that’s uniform changes or making head coach changes.
Always looking to up our game in every area and take our organization to the next level. Now we’re committed to getting this one right.
Full confidence in Nick. Led our football operation through a difficult stretch. Continues to prove to be an elite talent evaluator.
We talk constantly and have a plan for this process we’ll execute together.
With this hire, I’ll be taking on a more active role in this process.
Virtual interviews this week and can begin in person interviews after wild card games
As we conduct formal interviews, we’ll operate transparently, keeping media and fans updated on our progress.
Strong list of candidates.
We’ll pick the best coach to take this team into our next future with significant draft capital, salary cap space and a young roster.
Excited and optimistic about what’s possible moving forward on the field.
Nick Caserio:
Important for myself to acknowledge contributions Lovie provided in different roles. Appreciation/admiration for Lovie. Had positive impact on different people. After research and evaluation, felt this was best for our program. A long road ahead of us.
Started process of identifying candidates. A lot of work ahead of us. Disappointed about where we are currently. I take as much responsibility and I’m accountable to everyone in this building. Excited about opportunity ahead of us. Didn’t get the results on field we wanted but opportunity here as we turn the page. … Only way to get better is look at all facets of operation. Already talked about implementing techniques and tactics that can help us. Trying to be proactive. Only way to improve is acknowledge deficiencies and where there are strengths. Hard day, rough day but thoughtful and productive day. Met with all coaches on the staff. Had opportunity to meet with the team. My message was accountability and I took responsibility. This is a player’s league. Our commitment is to find the best people to move this program in a positive direction. We put ourselves in a decent position. No one wants to hear words, people want action.
What in your process needed to change?
Including more voices, more people, utilizing resources in the building…candidly allowing other people to be part of the process. We have an opportunity to get it right. Only way to improve is to find ways to improve. You have to be committed to making improvements. We want to see progress is as many areas as possible. As far as the process, we’re going through that. Don’t want to get into detail/depth but utilizing resources readily available that we didn’t previously.
Hire/Fire Cullen, Hire/Fire Lovie…How does that work with everything you’re trying to accomplish?
We have to improve and get better. Each year is its own entity. Can I do a better job? Absolutely. We’ll try to find ways to improve, make sound decisions. Disappointed that the position we’re in. I won’t hold anyone accountable other than myself. I’m committed to trying to get it fixed, get it right.
Why should any black coach feel they can trust you?
Each individual will have to make that choice. It’s not about race. It’s about finding quality coaches. In the end, each coach has their own belief, own philosophy, own comfort level about what we’re doing. If they feel it’s not the right situation, I have to accept it.
Status of staff?
Met with staff today. Fluid process. Look at each situation individually. New coach will have a say, input. They may have other opportunities or with a new staff, we’ll keep an open line of communication. Try to be honest and open but a fluid situation. Hard to get clarity for the next 2-3 weeks because of hiring practices. We’ll try to be as open as possible and keep them abreast as best we can.
How do you address the instability/credibility questions if it comes up?
Only way to handle that is be honest, open, get their feedback. Whoever we speak with, there will have to be open communication. …
What can you tell candidates (job security) if they only win 5 games the next 2 years?
Everything factors in. You want to see progress. How is that progress measured? There’s a number of different ways. In addition to W/L, there are other things you have to evaluate. It’s not about one particular thing, one particular player or one particular result. …
Who decides next head coach?
My recommendation to ownership. Cal/Hannah own the team. In the end, owner has the trump card.
Why will this process yield better results?
I don’t know if it guarantees results. Nothing is guaranteed. Ignorant of me to say changing our process will lead to X number of wins. Nothing is guaranteed. All we’re guaranteed is an opportunity. The clock is ticking, time is short. Expectations are high. If I don’t do my job well enough, at some point, decisions will have to be made.
Why should people have confidence in you (getting chance to hire a 3rd HC)?
Appreciative of the support of Cal/Hannah. There’s no guarantees. I’ll do the best job I can. We’ve made progress in some areas but not enough. I’m gonna hold myself accountable. Only thing I can do is come up with solutions. If it’s good enough, it will be and if not, I’ll have to deal with the consequences.
You hired 2 coaches who never had a shot to be successful. They’re not here but you are. How do you answer that?
That’s fair. Only thing I can do is show up every day and do the best to my ability. If whoever we hire doesn’t feel my role or position I’m in, I understand that and accept that. Leadership position, leadership, prioritize players, mission for the building, work in collaboration, no one size fits all. …
How involved was Easterby in the previous search(es)? Do you fear for your job?
In the end, it’s about accountability. I’m gonna work my ass off. That’s my commitment. It’s not about an individual. Utilizing the resources we have available that maybe we didn’t have prior.
Only thing I can say, I’m doing the best I can for the organization. My responsibility and job is to evaluate everything from a football standpoint. Have we gotten everything right? No. … There are players who want to be here. They believe in what we’re doing. I believe we’re moving in the right direction. I’m gonna be here as long as I can to see it through.
Texazan
Our HOF 34
I actually think you're under-estimating the footbal acumen of circus clowns compared to this ownership.
Have you not seen the mis-direction plays eleven clowns run under the big top coming out of a VW? Genius. That would get any TE open in a seam.
Texazan
Our HOF 34
Again, friggin amazing, Captain Obvious here but only ownership can get you to where they are now.
Texazan
Our HOF 34
Something wrong with that??? Better then what we have!
I'm not confused. You are making my point. If no young coach would be willing to have 2 years of sucking on their resume, why not hire an experience, older coach with recent success as a HC, DC or OC. Wouldn't that give you enough time to upgrade the talent without all of this turmoil? Finding someone good for 2-4 years does not mean they have to be young and willing to have 2 years of sucking on their resume. See. No confusion. LOL.
OK, but how exactly has Cal hampered Nick? Did he force Nick to bring in 30 year old vets that made the Texans the oldest team in the league? Did Cal insist on extending Cooks on an untradeable contract? Did Cal tell Nick that Lovie and the coaching staff would have final say on draft picks?
Cal is an easy target because he is so clueless. But Caserio is digging his own grave with his own decisions.
"Disappointed about where we are currently. I take as much responsibility and I’m accountable to everyone in this building."
"My message was accountability and I took responsibility."
"Disappointed that the position we’re in. I won’t hold anyone accountable other than myself. "
"There’s no guarantees. I’ll do the best job I can. We’ve made progress in some areas but not enough. I’m gonna hold myself accountable. Only thing I can do is come up with solutions. If it’s good enough, it will be and if not, I’ll have to deal with the consequences."
Nick is trying to tell you that he's made mistakes and knows that this could have easily been a presser about his firing. I have respect for him in acknowledging his responsibility for the past two seasons. He's getting his 3rd chance. Needs to get it right, this time.
Lol first it was Jack Easterby and now he is gone. Because of Cal. So what dysfunction? You have to be delusional if you don’t think the job opening is desirable.
Texian
Hall of Fame
When asked about the current assistant coaches Caserio did allude to the new coach would be bringing in and hiring his own coaches and that some coaches might be retained but they are free to pursue other offers.
& he’s going to have to trade him anyway
Texian
Hall of Fame
No doubt it is very desirable to the tier 2 and tier 3 coaches, but to the tier 1 coaches, not so much. The Texans are a career killer, they will start looking elsewhere before considering Houston.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
He is talking about Hannah. Not him specifically.
Every time Caserio refers to ownership he says Cal and Hannah. Never just Cal. Not once Janice. Hannah has everyone by the balls.
Maybe she is what this team has needed. Someone giving Cal a backbone to hold people accountable and not get sold some magic beans.
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
I would argue that there's no real "turmoil" except with over zealous & unrealistic fans who have refused to really acknowledge the totality of the situation this franchise was left in post BoB & DW4. Whether it was 2 years of Culley & then we get our HC of the future...or 2 different bridge HC's in 2 different years, we have arrived at the same point. whomever took over post BoB and that shitshow was most likely not gonna be around in 2-3 years when this team finally got to the point where we could climb out of the dungeon.
Furthermore, No coach wants to come here & concede to losing for at least 2 years of their tenure. & we're not talking about 7-10, 8-9 losing, we're talking really bad losing........... like we've seen in these 2 years. This is their career and i'm sure they don't want that on their resume if they can help it whether they're young or old. Not guys who have better options to go elsewhere anyway. they understand how the game is played with fans & owners. If you don't come in and have some level of immediate success within the 1st 2 years, you're likely not going to survive for a 3rd year. Its just that simple. You also don't get to that level by conceding to losing. Furthermore, the trend in the NFL is the young offensive guy. You're also talking about a limited number of guys anyway. Leslie Frazier...Dan Quinn...who else? Just know Frazier wasn't bringing Josh Allen and Jordan Poyer with him...Ditto for Dan Quinn and Micah Parsons.
cuppacoffee
Resident Grouch
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
Given the line of questioning by the media, I take all that to mean he's trying to tell fans & media members that he's just as disappointed as they are & that he's all in. But really what was he supposed to say? Pull a Marshawn Lynch and "uh yeah, i'm just here so i don't get fined...but for the record i had nothing to do with this shitshow over the last 2 years that was all Cal".
Furthermore, this, overrides all of that.
He's telling you right there who makes the final call. We all know this, but some of us really just don't want to acknowledge that b/c of how stuck in the belief we are about how WE think it should go. The most important thing for the McNairs has ALWAYS been getting people in here who can work together & collaborate. That was daddy McNair's model & it appears to be Cal's as well.
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Nick gave Cal McCown last year. Give Cal credit for making the right call on that. Nick deserves to be on a short leash.
Number19
Hall of Fame
Was thinking about this today. At the time the contract extension was made, and based on Cooks 2021 performance, this contract was not unreasonable. No one could anticipate Cooks would unprofessionally explode over Easterby's firing. Even with the problems this year, and missing four games, and the overall problems with our offense, he still had 699 yards. He played at a level to have gained a thousand yards had there not been the personal dispute. This just needs to be chalked up to one last piece of deadwood left over from the old regime that needs cleaning up.
Remember the good old days when four years was a short HC tenure?
this ain’t your daddy’s Texans. Cal’s quick on the draw. He ain’t playing around
this ain’t your daddy’s Texans. Cal’s quick on the draw. He ain’t playing around
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
You have it backwards. Nick doesn't have to give Cal anything. Cal give him who he wants. So If Cal wanted McCown in the convo for HC, Cal can "trump" Nick and insert him into the conversation for HC....Just as he did with Lovie the following year which reportedly killed the Gannon hiring. C'mon man.
OK, Nick is not a psychic. What you're forgetting was that there was no reason to renegotiate that contract. Cooks was under contract thru 2022. I explained in multiple posts why this contract was a bad idea.
I said it then and I'm still saying it. There was no reason for Caserio to not to see how Cooks 2022 season would go before offering the largest WR AAV contract in Texans history. This contract was a Nick Caserio mistake.
Brisco_County
Apples and roadmaps
Whatever the hot take on these issues is, Stephen A has to outdo it. He has an image to maintain.
powda
The bridge between stupid and useless is short.
SAS is a shock jock idiot. He's an immediate channel change anytime I see his face or hear his voice.
houstonhurricane
Veteran
I don’t see why some folks are so apologetic for a GM that by even his own accounting has not been successful. Two horrific coaching hires and neither of those coaches were given enough talent to succeed on the field - so they both are let go but the GM stays? Makes no sense.
That being said, we just have to hope the guy finally figures it out and hires a solid coach, gets out of his way, and brings in the talent to finally be able to compete.
That being said, we just have to hope the guy finally figures it out and hires a solid coach, gets out of his way, and brings in the talent to finally be able to compete.
Do we know if that was Nick’s guy? Because I remember folks saying Easterby wanted McCown. Nick wanted Gannon.
Brisco_County
Apples and roadmaps
Nick needed the fans to hear it, but he also needed HC candidates to hear it. He's telling them, "Ok so yeah I whacked the last two guys. But don't worry about all that, if things go south again I'll be the one who gets whacked."
Wolf
100% Texan
I honesty had no problem bring in stop gap vets on one year deals. Get the cap cleared.
Now hopefully the Texans are following the astros blueprint.
Wishful thinking
Texian
Hall of Fame
This is just another day in another Caserio FUBAR. Cooks contract extension made him untradeable before the trade deadline.