Stephen A. Smith says Black coaches shouldn’t apply for Texans job

The Houston Texans are as soon as once more in search of a head coach after three straight seasons of firing theirs following a single yr within the lead function. 

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes African-American coaches shouldn’t fill out that job software.

Speaking on his present, “First Take,” on Monday morning following the firing of Lovie Smith, who’s the third African-American head coach to be let go in Houston since 2020, Stephen A. Smith sounded off on the Texans and CEO Cal McNair.

“African Individuals needn’t apply,” he said. “This isn’t a company that has been honest to African Individuals so far as I’m involved. And I’ve these two for instance. You possibly can use Romeo Crennel and the type of state of affairs they put him in previously. I don’t like this group.”

Earlier than Lovie Smith, Crennel (2020) and David Culley (2021) have been terminated after one season. Crennel took over as soon as Invoice O’Brien was fired throughout the COVID yr, going 4-8 along with his group.

Then, Culley went 4-13 earlier than he was let go, making method for Smith this season.

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Houston hasn’t had probably the most aggressive roster these previous few years, particularly after buying and selling DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson, two of their most necessary gamers who have been key in making the playoffs in 2018 and 2019. Each of these seasons, the Texans gained the AFC South however have been by no means capable of make a run for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

O’Brien was taking part in each the top coach and GM function on the time of the Hopkins commerce to the Arizona Cardinals in March 2020, which obtained tons of backlash from followers and consultants alike, a few of which calling it one of many worst trades of all-time. 

Head coach Lovie Smith of the Houston Texans seems to be on previous to a recreation towards the Miami Dolphins at Exhausting Rock Stadium on November 27, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(Megan Briggs/Getty Photos)

Then, Watson requested a commerce after the 2020 season, as he didn’t just like the modifications that have been made to the teaching employees and entrance workplace. Either side have been in a standoff till his sexual harassment allegations got here to mild.

Although he wasn’t formally suspended on the time, the Texans didn’t play Watson all through the 2021 season for “non-injury causes/private matter.” The Texans then traded Watson to the Cleveland Browns for his or her subsequent three first-round draft selections in addition to the Browns’ third-round choose in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024. Watson additionally signed a profitable five-year, $230 million deal proper after the commerce to be Cleveland’s long-term choice at quarterback. 

In flip, the Texans have been again to rebuilding, and these head coaches have had a troublesome time creating outcomes from the beginning. 

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One of many most important causes is quarterback play post-Watson, as Davis Mills, Kyle Allen and Tyrod Taylor all had bother scoring factors with the younger corps on offense. 

Improvement, although, takes time, which is why many are skeptical concerning the Texans’ plan. Whereas gamers like Damien Pierce, Jalen Pitre, Derek Stingley Jr. and others have proven they will compete on this league, it takes time for groups to rebuild and develop underneath one system. 

The Texans have already begun their head teaching search, reportedly requesting interviews with Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. 

Ryans and Evero are each Black coaches, and the previous was a Texans legend throughout his taking part in days as a linebacker. Ryans spent six seasons in Houston, reaching two Professional Bowls and being named the 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Yr. 

Houston Texans head coach David Culley questions a name throughout the first half of an NFL soccer recreation towards the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Houston.
(AP Photograph/Eric Christian Smith)

Evero was part of the mass firing that occurred in Denver with head coach Nathaniel Hackett ousted earlier than ending his first season within the function. 

Whoever is known as head coach of the Texans for subsequent season shall be completely happy realizing the staff has two first-round picks – No. 2 and No. 12 from the Browns – in addition to ample cap house to work with in free company.