LOS ANGELES — Houston Texans veteran safety Justin Reid spent last season throwing around his body and covering receivers under the leadership of Lovie Smith. As a pending unrestricted free agent expected to be an expensive commodity, league sources consider Reid unlikely to return to the AFC South franchise.
Regardless of whether Reid plays for Smith again now that the veteran defensive coordinator and former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach has been promoted as the Texans’ new head coach, his rich experience with the Big Sandy, Texas, native is one he wouldn’t trade.
New Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith receives praise from DB Justin Reid
“I like him, I know the locker room likes him,” Reid said. “Lovie has the respect of everybody because of how personable he is. Anybody can talk to him in his office, and he’ll listen to what they have to say, which I really respect.
“He’s extremely qualified for the job, a great guy overall. Very knowledgeable. He brings out the best in all of his players and emphasizes the details, getting turnovers. On the team sphere, everybody takes their job seriously and plays their best ball.”
Smith owns an 89-87 record and reached the Super Bowl twice, losing both. His first shot came as the defensive coordinator of the Rams in 2001. He returned to the big game in 2006 as the head coach of the Bears. The associate head coach replaces David Culley, who Houston fired after a 4-13 season.
“Hopefully, Lovie can get to 100 wins soon,” said Reid, whose four-year, $2.443 million rookie contract is expiring after recording seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two sacks in four NFL seasons.
Reminiscent of Crennel
A former third-round draft pick from Stanford, Reid generated two interceptions and one forced fumble last season playing for Smith. Smith, 63, sports a long white beard and reminds Reid of Texans senior personnel advisor, former interim coach, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.
“Absolutely, just a strong sense of respect,” Reid said. “It’s a little bit of what RAC (Romeo Anthony Crennel) has, maybe without as many years. He’s done it for a long time. He’s been a part of everything and done it at a high level. He doesn’t play favorites. Everybody is treated exactly the same. That’s the type of dude he is. Everybody wants to play hard for him and make him proud.”
Motivating force
Smith has 20 total seasons of NFL coaching experience, including 11 as a head coach. Additionally, he owns 21 years of experience at the high school and collegiate levels. In Smith’s first year leading the Texans’ defense in 2021, Houston recorded 25 total takeaways, tied for 10th in the NFL. Moreover, they intercepted 3.1 percent of opponent passing attempts, the fifth-highest rate in the league.
Defensive end Jonathan Greenard was a bright spot, recording a career-high eight sacks in his second NFL season. Greenard echoed Reid’s sentiments about Smith, saying, “You won’t have to worry about playing with passion and emotion on the team, that’s for sure. I’m excited about the hire, but I also know we got a lot of work to do. So, I’m ready to turn this thing around.”