Riding the wave of a franchise-record eight wins, the Houston Texans have given general manager Rick Smith a four-year contract extension.

This was to be the final year of Smith’s original three-year deal but he’s now got until 2012 to work his magic. Smith made strong moves via trade, free agency and draft before the 2007 season which likely helped him get the additional years. Matt Schaub, Andre Davis, Amobi Okoye and Fred Bennett all were major contributors last season.

This offseason hasn’t been quite as splashy but if he hit with draftees Duane Brown, Antwaun Molden and Steve Slaton, he’ll have improved the three most troubling spots on the team.

Smith’s extension bodes well for Gary Kubiak’s hopes of getting one, although that may not happen before the 2008 season is finished. Kubiak is currently signed through 2010 but another season of improvement would likely keep the ex-Bronco tandem in charge of the Texans for a while longer.