29. Lovie Smith, Houston Texans
In nine seasons (2004-’12) coaching the Chicago Bears, Smith went 81-63, won three division titles and made the Super Bowl. Coaching stops at Tampa Bay and the University of Illinois followed, where he went a combined 25-63. After spending the 2021 season as the Texans’ defensive coordinator, when it ranked 27th allowing 26.6 points per game, the franchise made him its head coach. Now, Smith was not Houston’s first choice, and there is plenty of baggage that comes with this job (hello, Deshaun Watson), but perhaps his experience and player likability will guide the Texans to a positive path.
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