Head coach Lovie Smith’s job is in danger and the Houston Texans are looking hard at Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon as a potential replacement, KPRC in Houston reported.
In their first season with Smith, the Texans carried a league-worst 2-13-1 record into Sunday’s season finale against the Colts (4-11-1) in Indianapolis.
“Lovie’s job is not safe. This has been a terrible season, but that’s not all that this is about,” a league source said to KPRC.
Those other concerns reportedly include Smith’s management style and him not being receptive to suggestions on strategy, practice routines and the use of analytics and other data.
Smith, 64, was the NFL Coach of the Year in 2005 and he owns a career record of 91-100-1 with the Chicago Bears (2004-12), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15) and Texans.
If the Texans move on, they will be breaking in a new coach for the third straight season in 2023. Smith replaced David Culley, who went 4-13 in his lone season on the job in 2021.
Gannon and the Texans have mutual interest if the position is open, per the report. He interviewed twice with the Texans last season before they promoted Smith from associated head coach and defensive coordinator.
Gannon, 39, is in his second season as the Philadelphia DC. He previously worked as a defensive backs coach with the Indianapolis Colts (2018-20) and Minnesota Vikings (2014-17).
Gannon’s Eagles entered Week 18 with a league-leading and franchise-record 68 sacks. Philadelphia also led the NFL in total defense entering Sunday’s action, allowing 302.6 yards per game.
–Field Level Media
