On Monday, Texans executive VP Rick Smith says expects to keep his title and his tenure in Houston is not over, despite the fact that he’s decided to step away from the team to take care of his wife, Tiffany, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“My tenure is not over,” Smith said, per John McClain. “It’s a comma, not a period. I made a difficult decision with my wife. Family is the most important thing.”
“This has been very difficult on my family,” Smith explained, per McClain. “We’ve got three kids in three different schools. My wife’s getting treatment in Arizona. The logistics of it have been difficult.”
According to Smith, he has no issue if owner Bob McNair decides to bring in another GM while he’s gone from the team.
“I’m going to maintain executive VP title,” Smith said, per McClain. “I intend on coming back. If Mr. McNair hires a general manager, that’s up to him.”
As for his relationship with HC Bill O’Brien, which is reportedly “toxic”, Smith said he believes the team is in good hands.
“There’s been a lot of conversation about that,” Smith said, per McClain. “We’ve worked together four years with a common goal of bringing a championship to Houston. I don’t speak to those rumors. I can move away knowing this organization is in good hands.”
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 has led them to a record of 92-99 (48.1 percent), which includes four playoff appearances over the course of 12 seasons.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
