In a development that has blindsided many within the NFL, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is reportedly “deeply surprised and disappointed” by a blistering internal report from former Texans head coach Lovie Smith, who offered an unfiltered critique of the team’s organizational structure, leadership direction, and commitment to player accountability following his departure after the 2022 season.
According to league sources and preliminary excerpts leaked to national media outlets, Smith’s report—written as part of a requested evaluation for the NFL Coaches Advisory Council—contains sharp criticism of the Texans’ front office and raises red flags about what he perceives as a “superficial culture shift” that may be “undermining long-term growth despite short-term wins.”
Lovie Smith’s Report: A Blunt Postmortem
Smith, a respected veteran coach with decades of NFL experience, led the Texans for one season before being dismissed in early 2023. At the time, the team was mired in a rebuild, and Smith’s tenure ended with a 3–13–1 record. However, the report suggests Smith believes the problems he encountered run deeper than just on-field performance.
Key takeaways from the leaked report include:
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Criticism of “top-down decision-making” that marginalized coaching input and created inconsistency in football operations.
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Claims that the team “lacked a unified identity” and that efforts to instill discipline were “routinely overridden or ignored.”
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A warning that the Texans’ recent culture reset may be more of a “branding exercise” than a real organizational transformation.
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Concerns about long-term player development and “chronic instability” in staff retention.
Perhaps the most scathing line from the report reads:
“You can’t build a winning culture if you’re constantly trying to rebrand before you rebuild. The players know the difference—and so do the coaches.”
DeMeco Ryans Responds: “Surprised. Disappointed. But Focused.”
Current Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who took over in 2023 and has since become one of the most promising young coaches in the NFL, addressed the report following the team’s voluntary minicamp session.
“Look, I’ve got a ton of respect for Coach Lovie and everything he’s done in this league,” Ryans said. “That being said, I’m surprised by the tone of the report. This is a new chapter. Our focus is on building something strong, united, and long-lasting. That starts with trust—player to coach, coach to front office.”
Ryans emphasized that the current regime has made “significant strides” in rebuilding the Texans’ culture, and he pointed to the development of quarterback C.J. Stroud, a revitalized locker room, and improved team chemistry as signs of real progress—not just a new narrative.
“The standard we’ve set here is real. The players feel it. The fans see it. And it’s only the beginning,” he added.
Inside the Building: Mixed Reactions
Texans team sources say the report has created tension and confusion internally, particularly among staff and players who were not with the organization during Smith’s short tenure.
One anonymous veteran player said:
“Coach Ryans changed the energy around here from day one. I don’t know what Lovie saw in his year, but this team feels locked in now.”
Others in the front office reportedly view Smith’s comments as “outdated” and “more reflective of the past regime’s issues,” while acknowledging that some of his criticisms about early dysfunction are fair and part of what led to Ryans’ hiring in the first place.
Broader Implications for the Texans
The leak of Lovie Smith’s report comes at a pivotal time for the Texans, who are on the upswing after a breakout 2024 season. With C.J. Stroud ascending, a dynamic young core, and Ryans being praised for instilling toughness and belief, Houston appears headed in the right direction.
Still, Smith’s report is a reminder of the fragile line between progress and perception. The NFL is a league where cultural integrity matters just as much as wins and losses. Even with momentum, old wounds—especially when aired publicly—can cast a shadow.
Lovie Smith: A Coach With a Message
Though Smith has largely stayed out of the spotlight since leaving Houston, this report suggests he still feels deeply invested in the team’s direction. Some NFL insiders speculate that Smith may have authored the report not out of spite, but out of concern for a team he believes has potential but is vulnerable to repeating past mistakes.