What are the Houston Texans looking for in their next offensive coordinator?

Previous play-calling experience?

An identity in the passing attack?

Consistency in setting up protection?

While all are areas that must be corrected by the new man taking over for Bobby Slowik, NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo said there’s one defining trait that must stand out with the next play-caller.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud’s relationship will be the selling point.

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“Look for this offensive coordinator search to be about a pair with C.J. Stroud and a way to make Stroud comfortable,” Garafalo said.

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Stroud is the foundation of the Texans moving into 2025. After a breakout rookie season, a sophomore slump ensued that resulted in people pondering on the two-time Heisman finalist’s potential entering Year 3.

As a rookie, Stroud led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception and became the fifth first-year player to total 4,000 passing yards. A year later, he tossed three fewer touchdowns, seven more interceptions and finished outside the top 10 in passing yards.

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Garafalo confirmed that quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson would be a candidate for the opening, especially given his relationship with Stroud. The two first met when Stroud was in high school at the Elite 11 camp.

Both have grown since his day at Rancho Cucamonga High School. If he impresses, Johnson could be named OC as soon as this week.

He won’t be the only one up for the highly-touted job. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans knows that after making it to the divisional round back-to-back seasons, someone has to elevate the roster to compete for a conference title.

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While Johnson is the favorite internal candidate, other names on watch for include Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nick Caley, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.