Attorneys: Lawsuit 'only reason' Texans didn't hire Flores

Brian Flores' attorneys released a statement Monday noting that Flores' lawsuit against the NFL prevented the former Miami Dolphins coach from landing a head coaching job.

The statement specifically mentions the Houston Texans, who had Flores as one of their finalists before surprisingly hiring Lovie Smith on Monday.

"Mr. Flores is happy to hear that the Texans have hired a Black head coach, Lovie Smith, as Mr. Flores' goal in bringing his case is to provide real opportunities for Black and minority candidates to be considered for coaching and executive positions within the NFL," the statement reads, according to Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle.

"However, we would be remiss not to mention that Mr. Flores was one of the three finalists for the Texans' head coach position and, after a great interview and mutual interest, it is obvious that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up against racial inequality across the NFL."

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 last week. All three teams have denied the allegations against them.

Smith wasn't among the three known finalists for the job. The candidates were retired quarterback Josh McCown, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, and Flores.

However, Smith's name reportedly gained steam recently after the team decided not to hire McCown and Gannon over the weekend.

All nine NFL head coaching vacancies from the end of the regular season have now been filled. The New Orleans Saints, who also interviewed Flores, were the last team to fill its vacancy, reportedly hiring defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on Monday.

Miami fired Flores three seasons into his five-year contract on Jan. 10. The 40-year-old posted a 24-25 record over three campaigns with the Dolphins, who went 9-8 in 2021.