Lovie Smith in talks with Texans about becoming head coach

The Houston Texans completed additional discussions with associate head coach and defensive coordinator Lovie Smith regarding their head coaching vacancy, the team announced Monday.

Smith wasn't among the known finalists for the Texans job, but his name gained steam in recent days, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Houston interviewed the 63-year-old Sunday night, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Smith and former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores are now the two known finalists for the job.

Flores was one of three candidates previously considered finalists in Houston along with retired quarterback Josh McCown and Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

However, Houston doesn't plan to hire McCown this year, a source told ESPN's Sarah Barshop. The team also informed Gannon on Saturday he won't be hired, reports Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.

On Tuesday, Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams - the Dolphins, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos - over alleged racial discrimination in hiring practices.

Smith already has experience as a head coach in the NFL. He previously coached the Chicago Bears (2004-12) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15), posting an 89-87 record in the regular season.

Chicago won the NFC North three times and appeared in one Super Bowl under Smith. He also posted a 17-39 record at Illinois from 2016-20 before joining Houston.

Texans passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton is expected to be promoted to offensive coordinator if Smith is hired, reports Barshop.