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Report: Former Illinois coach Lovie Smith lands NFL defensive coordinator job
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Former Illinois coach Lovie Smith is headed to Houston, according to a report.
That’s per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, who says Smith has agreed to become the Texans’ next defensive coordinator.
The #Texans have agreed to terms on a deal with Lovie Smith to make him David Culley’s defensive defensive coordinator, source says. Smith is back in the NFL and will be calling the plays for Houston.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 29, 2021
Smith was fired by Illinois following a disappointing 2020 campaign that ended with a 2-5 record. Smith spent five seasons with the Illini and went 17-39 overall.
The NFL is where Smith has had most of his success in his coaching career. He was named the AP Coach of the Year in 2005 after leading the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl.
Smith spent nine years in charge of the Bears, leading them to four 10+ win seasons and an overall record of 81-63. He was also the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was fired after two seasons with an 8-24 record.
Smith hasn’t been a defensive coordinator since 2001-03 when he held that role for the St. Louis Rams. The Rams were highly successful during that period, winning two division titles and advancing to the Super Bowl once.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.