As reported earlier on HoustonTexans.com, Texans **defensive coordinator Richard Smith was dismissed** today, ending his three-year tenure with the team. Defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, who had been with the Texans since their inception in 2002, and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, who just finished his second season in Houston, also were let go by the team.
National reports surfaced two days ago that Smith might be fired after the season, but no decision was made until Tuesday. Smith inherited the NFL's 31st-ranked defense when he joined the Texans in 2006. His defenses in Houston ranked 24th in the league in total yards allowed 2006 and 2007 and 22nd in 2008. This season, the Texans were 27th in the league in points allowed and 29th in red zone defense. Dating back to the franchise's inaugural season in 2002, the Texans have never had a defense ranked higher than 16th in yards allowed.
Kubiak will discuss the coaching moves during a 1:30 p.m. press conference from the team auditorium at Reliant Stadium. Watch his press conference live exclusively on **Texans TV** and stay tuned to HoustonTexans.com - we'll report back as soon as the press conference has finished.
