Earlier this month the Houston Texans signed general manager Rick Smith to a four-year contract extension keeping him with the team through 2012. This is a testament to the organization's commitment to winning as they continue to move the team in a positive direction.

Smith, the former Meadowdale High School football star, is entering his third-year as the Texans GM and is quickly transforming the 2-14 team he took over in 2006 into a contender.

During a phone interview with Smith he talked about the challenges of the position as GM and expectations of the new regime in Houston.

"We took over following a 2-14 season, so when you inherit a program like that there are any number of things that need addressed," Smith said. "What we tried to do is come in and put a program in place and develop some systems in how we wanted to operate and define those for everybody. Then set a standard of how we wanted to operate and hold everybody accountable to that. I think we have improved our talent level on the team and put some systems in place that will give us a chance to be successful down the road."

The Texans have improved their record in each of their last two seasons with Smith at the helm. The team finished the '06 season 6-10 and 8-8 in 2007.

There is no question that Smith entered a unique situation in Houston. At 38, not only is he the youngest and the third black general manager in the NFL, he had to replace a legend in Charley Casserly, who had years upon years of experience in the league at the position, where as Smith never held the high-powered position until his hiring with the team. Before that he served as Denver's defensive assistant for four seasons before moving into the front office for his last six years with the Broncos.

The role of general manager can be very daunting because there are so many duties. It's not just player acquisition, but salary cap management, football operation, league interaction, game day operation and the list goes on. That was a lot to ask of a first timer, but Smith has held it down like a seasoned veteran and doing it with some conviction.

Where Smith and Casserly differ is in their leadership styles and football philosophy and that appears to be working well for the current GM. Another thing working in his favor is the solid relationship between he and head coach Gary Kubiak. It has made life much easier for the young GM.

"The thing I appreciate most is that I've got a guy in Gary Kubiak who sees it the way that I see it, and I see it the way that he sees it," Smith said.

"We're honest enough with each other that when we disagree we make sure that we voice our disagreement and come out with a consensus and more often than not we're in an agreement with respect to what we think is best for this football team."

Smith and Kubiak have a long history together that dates back more than 10 years during their days in Denver. They won two Super Bowls together and developed a close bond when they were in the trenches as assistant coaches with the Broncos. The duo is hoping to have the same success in Houston.

So far the two have been handling their business and evidence shows that things are looking up for the Texans.

The Texans have been active during the offseason and made two key free agent acquisitions in former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Brown, who will be looked upon to help improve the team's No. 22 ranked rushing attack, and New England Patriots castoff linebacker Roosevelt Colvin, who is expected to provide the team with leadership and another playmaker on defense.

The team also re-signed a number of their own players and the team's draft wasn't too shabby. With great support from team owner Bob McNair, it shouldn't be hard for Smith to continue doing the quality work that he's done thus far.

Smith said he has great support all-around and is appreciative of his time in Dayton, Ohio. In fact, he still keeps in close contact with former high school football coach Pat Masters, who has become a mentor and close confidant over the years.

Expectations for the 2008 season are high for the Houston Texans and with all the good decisions made by management this offseason there is no reason to believe that those goals can not be met. With a solid foundation in place the team is gunning for the playoffs and more.