Lovie Smith doesn't anticipate Nick Caserio being involved with the Houston Texans' game day plans.

David Culley admitted that Caserio regularly communicated with him during games last season.

In an interview with Rich Eisen this week, Smith made it clear he doesn't expect Caserio to participate in any discussions during games.

"People do it a lot of different ways," Smith said. "I've been the head football coach for a long period of time. I haven't had the general manager involved on gameday and don't plan on it. Things were done differently at different places. We have a system that we're pretty comfortable with here. Nick and I have talked about that. Nick's going to be available to help in any way that we think he should. We feel pretty good about that."

A number of teams are expected to change quarterbacks this offseason.

Deshaun Watson remains a hot name, but his legal situation complicates any effort to work out a trade from the Houston Texans.

Watson faces two issues, civil and criminal. Rusty Hardin, the quarterback's lawyer, said earlier this week that he expects the grand jury to make a decision regarding whether Watson will be charged with any crimes and the level of the charges (felony or misdemeanor) will be determined by April 1.

The civil cases, brought by 22 massage therapists, undoubtedly won't be settled.

According to a source, multiple teams are willing to trade for Watson as long as his criminal situation is settled.

A judge in Houston has ruled that Deshaun Watson can face questions under oath in at least some of the 22 civil cases filed against him by women who have accused him of actions ranging from harassment to sexual assault during massage sessions.

Rusty Hardin, Watson's attorney, filed a motion last week to delay Watson's deposition until after April 1 and argued Monday that such a delay would enable Watson's legal team to secure depositions with all 22 of the women who are suing Watson and also allow Watson the protection of knowing whether he will also face criminal charges.

Watson's deposition was originally scheduled to begin as early as this week.

The court ruled Monday that Watson can be questioned under oath on allegations relating to nine of the pending civil cases. None of the women involved in those nine cases has filed a criminal complaint against Watson, and all of them have already provided depositions of their own in their ongoing civil cases.

Deshaun Watson has begun evaluating potential landing spots with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings on his list.

Watson has a no trade clause in his contract and will look for the right blend of offensive system, coaching, talent and the chance to win.

Watson preferred the Miami Dolphins at last year's trade deadline, but no move was consummated. The Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel to replace Brian Flores and appear to be committed to Tua Tagovailoa. 

Watson's defense of 22 civil cases alleging sexual assault and/or inappropriate behavior during massage sessions remains unresolved. 

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio says Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL and three teams had no effect on the team's search for a head coach.

"There were conversations with Brian after [the lawsuit] took place, so it really didn't affect our process at all," Caserio said during Lovie Smith's introductory press conference.

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 claiming discrimination during the process.

After Smith was hired Monday, Flores' attorneys released a statement saying Flores was "happy to hear that the Texans have hired a Black head coach," but that "it is obvious that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up against racial inequality across the NFL."

The Houston Texans have agreed to hire Love Smith as head coach.

Smith served as associate head coach of the Texans last season under David Culley. 

Smith has previously served as an NFL head coach with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith led the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006. Smith returned to the NFL in 2021 after spending four seasons as head coach at Illinois. 

Lovie Smith has emerged as a contender for the Houston Texans' vacant head coaching position and was interviewed on Sunday night, according to reports.

It was also reported that Josh McCown and Jonathan Gannon are seemingly out of contention for the position.