On Thursday, ESPN's Bill Barnwell ranked all 37 head coaching hires made between 2021 and 2025, and predictably, DeMeco Ryans arrived much earlier on the list than either Lovie Smith or David Culley did. #33 - Lovie SmithAn experienced coach with the Bears and Buccaneers, it looked like Smith's time as an NFL head coach had come to an end after he was fired by Illinois," writes Barnwell. "Smith joined the Texans as a defensive coordinator, and the following year, he was promoted to head coach. "It's incredibly rare for veteran coaches toward the end of their careers and coaches without coordinating experience to jump into head coaching roles, but Culley did both." With Deshaun Watson holding out for the entire 2022 season, the Texans were doomed before Week 1 even began.