Big Sandy native Lovie Smith named head coach of Houston Texans

By ELWYN HENDERSON

Big Sandy native and 20-year NFL and college coach Lovie Smith was formally introduced to the Houston fans and NFL fans all over the US on Tuesday morning when he held a press conference at NRG Stadium in Houston.  All NFL fans in Upshur County are especially happy to see Lovie moving into that position.

     There had been 5 other candidates interviewed by Texans General Manger Nick Caserio and it was believed that Josh McCown probably had the inside shot at getting the nod from Texans owner and CEO Cal McNair, but a couple of days ago Lovie’s name began floating about until it was announced that he and Josh McCown were the two finalists.

     It was made official that Lovie was the man on Monday afternoon and he signed a contract Monday evening before the presser on Tuesday.  He had served as the Texans Defensive Coordinator in 2021 after being hired by recently fired Coach David Culley.  He molded the Houston defense into a unit that showed a lot of promise for the coming years to develop into a top 5 defense.

   He announced at the press conference that Pep Hamilton would become the Offensive Coordinator in 2022.  He was on the staff in 2021.  It is also believed that there is a very good chance that Josh McCown may be hired as an assistant as well.

     The one thing that is certain is that the Texans are headed in the right direction and Lovie Smith is just the man to move the team forward.  Houston fans are chomping at the bit and just waiting for the 2022 season.