Texans Rumors: HC Lovie Smith, GM Nick Caserio Could Both Be Fired After Season

The Houston Texans could use a break.

The head coach and general manager of the Texans could be out of a job, according to a report by Fox Sports.

According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Houston is undecided on Smith's status for 2023 and that he has been meeting with owner Cal McNair to state his case for a second season.

It wouldn't be much of a surprise to see a coaching change.

Smith doesn't fit the profile of a rebuilder. Illinois fired him in December after it went 17-39 and made one bowl game under his watch.

There are some issues that have arisen in Houston in the report by Rapoport and Pelissero.

"Sources say frustration has mounted in the locker room and elsewhere in the building over many aspects of Smith's program, including overall operational struggles. It has spilled to their best players, such as receiver Brandin Cooks being stripped of the captaincy after trying and failing to get himself traded before November's deadline."

Caserio's ousting would be more of a shock since he enjoys full authority over football-related decisions in the off-season. Jack Easterby, the executive vice president of football operations, was fired.

Houston's outlook could be shaped by what happens this spring.

According to Spotrac, the franchise is on track to have $47.7 million in salary-cap space, so it has the money to make a few immediate improvements to the roster. Caserio or whoever is in charge of the front office can identify a long-term successor to Deshaun.

The Texans have the worst record in the league and are in a good position to land one of the two Alabama players in the 2023 draft. They were able to relive the 2006 draft when they chose Mario Williams over hometown favorite Vince Young.

Three of the best players on Bleacher Report's big board are on the defensive side of the ball.

The status quo should not be maintained for the sake of maintaining it if the team owner has any doubts about Caserio. There is too much at stake for him to stay with a GM who he doesn't trust.