Report: Update on Pep Hamilton, Josh McCown status with Texans

Things are beginning to take shape for the Texans, as their coaching staff is starting to be set in stone.

First, it’s being reported that former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith is going to be their next head coach. Now, an update has been provided by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo regarding offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, and coaching candidate Josh McCown.

“As for Josh McCown, who seemed to be the #Texans’ guy for much of their search. Sources say there’s a possibility he could join Lovie Smith’s coaching staff, though those talks have yet to really happen,” revealed Garafolo. “Pep Hamilton is expected to stick as offensive coordinator.”

Moreover, McCown has been at the forefront of the Texans’ head coaching searches over the last two seasons. However, he’s been passed over twice now — despite Houston believing he’ll be a tremendous coach. Still, the potential backlash of hiring a coach with zero experience to lead their team has been too much for the AFC South franchise.

Still, keeping Hamilton on Smith’s potential staff is a huge move for Houston. His work with quarterback Davis Mills has been lauded, and the offensive coordinator has been highly sought-after by other franchises. At the least, the Texans will have some continuity.

Once again, the Texans have passed on Josh McCown for a different coach to lead their franchise. If Smith doesn’t work out for Houston, perhaps an experienced McCown will get the call in the future.

More on Lovie Smith, Houston Texans

Furthermore, the news of Lovie Smith catapulting to the forefront for the Texans sent shockwaves throughout the league. While Smith is a highly-respected coach, he wasn’t on their radar earlier in the process.

Now — according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network — the Houston Texas are “moving towards” hiring Smith – the team’s current associate head coach and defensive coordinator – as their next head coach. While Rapoport notes that no deal is done yet, the NFL insider says that it’s “headed that way.”

Smith, 63, recently completed his first season with the Texans after spending five seasons at the head coach at Illinois from 2016-2020. Prior to his time at Illinois, Smith served as the head coach of both the Chicago Bears (2004-12) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15).

Over his two stints as an NFL head coach with the Bears and Buccaneers, Smith holds an overall record of 92-90 – including a 3-3 mark in postseason play. He was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2005.