Houston, Texas - The Houston Texans fired head coach Lovie Smith just hours after he had told the media he expected to be at the helm for another NFL season.

Sunday night, Lovie Smith became the latest one-and-done head coach for the Houston Texans.

The 64-year-old was promoted to the position in February after spending one season as the Texans' associate head coach and defensive coordinator.

He became head coach while the team was undergoing a major rebuilding operation, following the trade of franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson.

All season, the Texans appeared to be headed for the worst record in the league and the top overall pick in the coming NFL Draft.

But with Sunday's 32-31 stirring win against the Indianapolis Colts they finished their campaign 3-13-1, and as a result, were handed the first pick in the draft to the Chicago Bears (3-14).

Speaking to reporters after the game, Smith said it is ridiculous to propose intentionally losing a game at this level. "This is an option that I had," he said. "So you say, 'hey guys ... all that you've been working for your life, you play to win, forget that. Lose the game on purpose.'"

"That will be a hard one to get by. They won't expect me to say that. I didn't. What we work on each week, our game plan, has been to win the game. It's pretty simple – we play to win the game. It's kind of simple as that."

When asked if he expected to return for a second season, Smith said: "Do I expect to be back? Yes, I expect to be back."

That notion was shot down hours later.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio announced that he'd personally made the decision to fire Smith

In a statement, Caserio said, "On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Lovie Smith for everything he has contributed to our team over the last two seasons as a coach and leader."

"I'm constantly evaluating our football operation and believe this is the best decision for us at this time. It is my responsibility to build a comprehensive and competitive program that can sustain success over a long period of time."

"We aren't there right now. However, with the support of the McNair family and the resources available to us, I'm confident in the direction of the program moving forward."

Caserio will be hiring a new head coach for the third time during his three years in charge.