The Houston Texans have interviewed former Chicago coach Lovie Smith for their head coaching position, the Houston Chronicle reported Thursday. The Texans had indicated when they fired Gary Kubiak that Smith would be among the candidates for the job. Smith is the first person to be interviewed.

Smith led the Bears to a Super Bowl appearance and spent nine years with the Bears. He was fired after going 10-6 in 2012. He is a native of Texas. Among other coaches who are expected to be candidates for the job are head coach Bill O’Brien of Penn State, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt of San Diego and current Houston defensive coordinator/interim coach Wade Phillips.

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