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."