Texans coach Lovie Smith became the latest NFL head coach to be punished by the NFL for a violation of offseason practice rules.
Smith was fined $50,000 by the NFL for unauthorized offensive line against the defensive line drills, as determined by the NFL Management Council, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
A former NFL Coach of the Year with the Chicago Bears promoted from defensive coordinator as the replacement for dismissed head coach David Culley, Smith wasn't alone in being punished by the NFL.
Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera was fined $100,000 for excessive contact during drills.
Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was fined $100,000 and the team was docked an organized team activity day in 2023 for a rules violation. This is the second year in a row the Cowboys were penalized after the team was fined $100,000 and McCarthy was fined $50,000 with a 2022 OTA day docked, too.
The Chicago Bears, under first-year coach Matt Eberflus, were forced to cancel an organized team activity practice after being warned and then punished for excessive contact drills.
Aaron Wilson is a Pro Football Network reporter and analyst and a contributor to Sports Talk 790.