(This story was updated to add new information.)
The Houston Texans offensive coordinator search is officially underway with another name emerging as a candidate for the position.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon interviewed for the open position after a breakout season with the Orange.
Last season under first-year coach Fran Brown, Nixon’s offense took the ACC by storm. With Kyle McCord as the starting quarterback, the Orange had the nation’s No. 1 passing offense, averaging 370 yards per game.
Texans interviewed Syracuse OC Jeff Nixon today for the vacant offensive coordinator position. pic.twitter.com/MYNJ5LNEIK
— Patrick (@PatTalksTexans) January 28, 2025
McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, broke former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s single-season ACC passing record at Clemson set in 2016 with 4,779 yards. The senior also ranked top five in passing touchdowns (37) and top 10 in completion percentage (66.0) and passer rating (148.8).
Running back LeQuint Allen also led all FBS running backs in receptions (64) and had over 1,500 scrimmage yards. He totaled 16 rushing touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per run.
The Orange ranked eighth in third-down conversions (49%), ninth in red zone touchdowns (43) and 21st in scoring (34.1 points per game). Behind his play-calling, the Orange totaled their first 10-win season in six years.
Nixon is the second candidate linked to the opening. Current Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson also has interviewed for the job.
Nixon previously New York Giants in 2023, helping Saquon Barkley rush for 962 yards and six TDs. Throughout his career, the veteran running backs coach has also worked with Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Reggie Bush and Christian McCaffery.
#Texans have interviewed Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, per league sources @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 28, 2025
Over his two decades coaching, Nixon spent ample time in the NFL, coaching with the Philadelphia Eagles (2007-10), Miami Dolphins (2011-15), San Francisco 49ers (2016), Carolina Panthers (2020-22) and New York Giants (2023).
Nixon was previously the offensive coordinator at Baylor from 2017-19 under Matt Rhule before joining his staff in Carolina, eventually taking over as the interim offensive coordinator in 2021 following the firing of Joe Brady.
The Texans fired Bobby Slowik last week after two AFC South division titles. One key element Houston is looking for in its next play-caller is a relationship with former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.