HOUSTON -- During Lovie Smith's introductory news conference as the Houston Texans' new head coach, general manager Nick Caserio said the lawsuit by Brian Flores had no effect on the team's search that ended with Smith's promotion from defensive coordinator.
"There were conversations with Brian after that (the lawsuit) took place, so it really didn't affect our process at all," Caserio said.
Flores, who was one of three candidates the Texans announced had completed second interviews with the team, filed a lawsuit against the NFL last week. In the lawsuit -- suing the NFL and three NFL teams -- Flores alleged discrimination regarding his interview processes with the Denver Broncos and New York Giants and his firing last month by the Miami Dolphins.