Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio reaffirmed the team’s decision to hire Lovie Smith, former head coach of the Chicago Bears, as their new head coach over recently fired Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, saying it is not because of his ongoing NFL lawsuit.

During a press conference, Caserio denied claims by Flores’ attorneys that Smith’s hiring over the former Miami coach was due to his class-action lawsuit.

“I would say it didn’t affect us at all,” Caserio said. “Speaking specific to Brian, I’ve known Brian a long time personally and professionally. I have a lot of respect for Brian as a coach and a person. He was a part of this process. He’s been a good coach in this league for a number of years. Part of my responsibility was to spend time with as many quality candidates as possible and Brian was one of those.”

Flores made his stand against the NFL about the sport having fewer minority coaches in a league that employs mostly Black players. His lawsuit filed against the NFL accuses the league of systemic racism and discriminatory hiring. practices.

It was reported Monday that the Texans chose Smith as their new head coach. Flores’ two attorneys, Douglas H. Wigdor and John Elefterakis immediately went to Twitter, claiming the reason why Houston is not going with their client is due to his lawsuit.

Houston had reportedly narrowed down the candidates to Josh McCown, Flores, Jonathan Gannon, and Smith, who ended up getting the job.