NFL insider reveals what Texans are looking for in their next OC-HN

Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) enters the field before playing against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) enters the field before playing against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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.

Advertisement

Houston Texans News, Rumors, Scores, Schedule, Stats and Roster | Texans  Wire

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

x.com

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.

Advertisement

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.

Analyst Reveals Major Concern for Jaguars' Bitter Rival QB

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.

Advertisement

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.

Related Posts

REPORT: Ravens Coach John Harbaugh reaches three-year extension to stay in Baltimore through 2028.THANHDUNG

The Baltimore Ravens reached a three-year extension with Coach John Harbaugh on Friday, extending his stay with the Ravens until 2028. During his time, the Ravens have…

NFL EARTHQUAKE: Aaron Rodgers Signs SHOCKING 6-Year Deal with Buffalo Bills — League Shaken to Its Core.THANHDUNG

The NFL landscape has officially changed — forever. Aaron Rodgers is no longer a rumor. He’s now a Buffalo Bill.And not just for a season or two…

Bills GM Brandon Beane proves to be top-notch NFL dealmaker by recent ranking.THANHDUNG

No NFL general manager is perfect. The vast majority, if not all, see more misses than hits when it comes to building a roster, including both free…

BREAKING: Buccaneers All-Pro offensive star named one of the greatest draft picks of the decade, cementing his class and influence in the NFL.

NFL free agency is starting to wind down with two weeks now in the books since the start of the new league year, and while there will still…

BREAKING: Bills named landing spot for talented SEC wide receiver to elevate Josh Allen.THANHDUNG

The Buffalo Bills have the hard part already taken care of. The Bills have their MVP and franchise quarterback in Josh Allen, and now it’s up to general manager…

GOOD NEWS: Hallmark teams up with Buffalo Bills for this year’s football Christmas rom-com.THANHDUNG

First it was a Kansas City Chiefs love story. Now it’s time for the Buffalo Bills to find their happily ever after in the world of Hallmark. Hallmark announced on…