Washington Nearly Hired Former Texans GM Rick Smith

According to Adam Schefter, Washington nearly hired former Texans GM Rick Smith to replace Bruce Allen as team president. 

Smith and owner Dan Snyder met several times in the Bahamas to discuss how to turn the team around and Schefter says his sources expected a deal to get done. 

However, Snyder elected to make HC Ron Rivera the primary organization decision-maker rather than fill Allen’s position. 

Schefter adds Washington plans to wait until after the draft to hire a general manager, with more changes to the front office potentially coming then. 

Smith took a leave of absence from Houston following the 2017 season to take care of his wife after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away 11 months ago and after taking more time away, Smith appears to be ready to return to football. 

Smith began his NFL coaching career with the Broncos back in 1996 as their assistant defensive backs coach before he took over as their director of pro personnel in 2000.

After 11 seasons with the Broncos, Smith departed to become the general manager of the Texans. He was elevated to GM/executive VP in 2012.

During his time as the Texans’ GM, Smith led them to a record of 92-100 (48.1 percent), which included four playoff appearances over the course of 12 seasons.