Texans head coach Smith feels responsibility to bring fans back to 'the stands'

New Houston Texans Head Coach Lovie Smith is hoping to bring the fans back to "the stands.”

Smith, who was the Texans’ associate head coach/defensive coordinator in 2021, is the team’s fifth head coach in franchise history, the Texans said in a Feb. 7 news release. Smith has the leadership and people skills needed to lead the Texans forward, Texans General Manager Nick Caserio said in the press release.

Smith said in a video on Facebook that he can’t wait for fans to return to the stands this fall.

“I’m looking forward to winning a whole lot of football games,” Smith said. “I remember a day when it was a tough place to play for opposing teams to come in here. We’re going to do our share to make you want to come back. Can’t wait to see you.”

Smith managed a takeaway turnaround in 2021 for the Texans, which came up with 25 takeaways last season, “tied for 10th-most in NFL,” the article “14 Things to Know About Head Coach Lovie Smith” said. The Texans had an NFL-worst nine takeaways in 2020.

“I understand the responsibility I have to this organization and this city to develop a championship-level program. I'm ready to get to work and build it together,” Smith, who was born in Gladewater, Texas and grew up in Big Sandy, Texas, said in the press release.

Before joining the Texans, Smith was head coach at the University of Illinois from 2016 to 2020. He also was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014 and 2015. He was head coach of the Chicago Bears, from 2004 to 2012, guiding the team to the Super Bowl in 2006.

“I was happy when they hired you, and very happy for you as our new head coach,” Amanda Barta said in response to Smith’s Facebook video.

Tina Martin Padon also congratulated Smith on Facebook.

“Coach Lovie Smith! Feeling better about the Texans already!!” Padon said.