‘Only reason' Brian Flores was bypassed by Texans was lawsuit, ex-Dolphins coach's lawyers say
The lawyers representing former Dolphins coach Brian Flores released a statement Monday night saying "the only reason" Flores was bypassed by the Houston Texans in favor of Lovie Smith is Flores' lawsuit against the NFL and the Dolphins.
Wigdor LLP released a statement from Douglas Wigdor and John Elefterakis, who are representing Flores in the class-action suit filed last week in U.S. District Court in New York. The suit alleges racial discrimination in the NFL in his hiring practices.
“Mr. Flores is happy to hear that the Texans have hired a Black head coach, Lovie Smith, as Mr. Flores’ goal in bringing his case is to provide real opportunities for Black and minority candidates to be considered for coaching and executive positions within the NFL," the statement reads. "However, we would be remiss not to mention that Mr. Flores was one of three finalists for the Texans’ head coach position and, after a great interview and mutual interest, it is obvious that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up against racial inequality across the NFL.”
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Flores has acknowledged the lawsuit could spell the end of his coaching career.
“If there’s change, it’ll be worth it,” Flores said during media appearances last week.
The Texans' decision means Flores won't be a head coach in the NFL in 2022.
Smith has an 11-year record of 89-87 (.506) that includes going 81-63 over nine seasons in Chicago. He led the Bears to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance in 2006.
Flores was 24-25 in three seasons with the Dolphins.