The primary goal for the Houston Texans‘ next offensive coordinator is to make quarterback C.J. Stroud feel comfortable.
It makes sense why quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson is considered an internal favorite to receive the promotion.
The Texans plan to interview Johnson for their offensive coordinator job in place of Bobby Slowik, who was fired last week following the AFC Divisional Round loss.
Johnson, a former quarterback at Texas A&M and veteran passer who played for six teams during his NFL career, is regarded as a top internal candidate, according to reports.
The #Texans are interviewing QB Coach Jerrod Johnson for their vacant OC job this week. Per @AaronWilson_NFL pic.twitter.com/VvZBKMIhkB
— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL) January 27, 2025
Johnson, who’s been Stroud’s quarterback coach for two seasons, previously worked with the former two-time Heisman finalist before his time at Ohio State. The two first began working with Stroud when the Rancho Cucamonga, California native was 16 years old at an Elite 11 camp.
“One thing that I can say about Jerrod, you talk about somehow who knows how to play the position of quarterback and knows how to relay something, but also just a great person, man,” Stroud said last offseason of his relationship with Johnson. “A guy who loves football, he loves Houston, he loves Texas.
“Someone who has just taught me a tremendous amount of information, but on top of that, put a lot of confidence into me as well.”
Last season, Stroud struggled to recapture his 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year magic under Slowik’s play design. After leading the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio as a rookie, Stroud threw 20 touchdowns, three fewer than his rookie season.
Last January, #Texans QB CJ Stroud talks about the impact his QB Coach Jerrod Johnson has had on his development on and off the football field
Jerrod Johnson is a top candidate for the Houston Texans OC job
“Yeah Jerrod, I’ve known Jerrod since I was 16. I was in Elite… pic.twitter.com/FvBOQw1w52
— sidelinesarah (@sidelinesarah) January 27, 2025
He also tossed 12 interceptions, seven more than he threw in his first season, and posted a passer rating of 87.0.
As a unit, the Texans also continued to spiral after a 6-2 start. Stroud was sacked 52 times, the second-most among starting quarterbacks. A year after finishing top 12 in passing and scoring, Houston ranked 22nd in total offense and 19th in scoring, averaging less than 24 points per game.
Johnson interviewed last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots before eventually returning to Houston.
“It’s been just a blessing to work with him and, whatever happens, I’m excited for him, and he deserves everything that’s coming for him,” Stroud said last season of Johnson. “I’m super blessed to be able to work with him.”
Jerrod Johnson was an NFL quarterback for 5 years, had a coaching fellowship with the 49ers
Learned under KOC in Minnesota. He should be able to understand what works and doesn’t work while also aiding to CJ Stroud, better yet the entire Texans offense that he watched all year https://t.co/C3SogZ1Jto
— Drew (@IndepthTexans) January 27, 2025
While Houston could pivot in a different direction for the offensive coordinator opening, Johnson could have options. According to KRPC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the New York Jets are expected to interview him following the hiring of former Texans Pro Bowl cornerback and former Detriot Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Other candidates rumored to Houston include Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nick Caley, and Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.