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Will Texans bring back OC Bobby Slowik for 2025?

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The biggest question surrounding the Houston Texans has little to do with which free agents are back.

It’s probably not regarding April’s NFL draft, where the No. 25 overall pick could be a vital asset to the team’s foundation moving into 2025.

Those who are wondering if C.J. Stroud can get back to his Offensive Rookie of the Year form will have to take a backseat for now.

No, all sights turn to Bobby Slowik’s status for 2025. Will he be back at NRG Stadium in Week 1?

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans quickly answered in his final press conference that all coaching decisions won’t be made until next week. That gives Slowik a bit more time to plead his case as to why he’s deserving of a third season in Houston.

The writing has been on the wall for offensive changes since Week 7, which began a month-long hiatus of failing to score on offense in the second half of games. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser isn’t expected back after Stroud was sacked 54 times, the second-most among QBs in 2024.

But Slowik, who helped the Ohio State passer turn into one of the game’s rising stars, could be given one more chance to prove 2024 was a fluke rather than the norm.

As for where he sits now, Ryans kept his analysis brief.

“I think overall with Bobby, I saw some growth, saw some improvement throughout the year,” Ryans said Monday.

While Slowik’s play design regressed after finishing top 12 in passing and scoring, not all hinges on the Xs and Os. Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs was lost for the season in Week 8. Fellow Pro Bowler Nico Collins missed five games with a hamstring while running back Joe Mixon missed three.

The offensive line falls under Strausser’s work and injuries stockpiled to where six different units saw action en route to another division title. And with more film on Stroud, the rookie had a sophomore slump.

That shouldn’t excuse the lack of creativity on early downs or the inability to establish an identity in the second half of games. The lack of talent should have led to a style change, though the same predictable plays continued to plague the offense.

Houston finished the regular season ranked 22nd in total offense, averaging 319.7 yards per game, and 19th in points per game. Stroud, who finished with 23 touchdown passes against five interceptions, upped his turnover rate and decreased his touchdown total.

“Overall offensively, we have to improve,” Ryans said. “It wasn’t where we wanted it to be. There were challenges throughout the year. We have to improve.”

Houston plans on attacking free agency and the draft to rebuild the offensive line. Collins and Mixon are locked up long-term. Despite a down season from Dalton Schultz, he’s expected back as the starting tight end for now.

But Stroud needs help. He requires a more stable offensive line. The receiving room needs more than just Collins if it plans on being a top 10 unit, injuries or not.

He also must learn how to improve his pocket awareness. Trusting his legs also could benefit the offense taking another step forward if Slowik is retained for a third year.

Stroud found a rhythm on the ground during the postseason. Houston found a spark on offense against the league’s top-scoring defense during the wild-card round, totaling 25 points and 429 yards.

If that’s the version Slowik thinks he can bring out next season, perhaps changing the personnel around the main guy is ideal. And if Stroud has a say in the change, the odds could be 50/50.

“I definitely think he has a lot of success coming his way and I’ve been honored to have it with him and hopefully keep it going. Definitely on Bobby’s side and appreciative of all of things he has taught me and how great he has been in my career so far.”