SF's passing game coordinator Slowik joins Ryans in Houston

49ers assistant coach Bobby Slowik is moving up and moving on, joining DeMeco Ryans as offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans.

Slowik, 35, arrived as a quality control coach as Ryans did when Kyle Shanahan took over as 49ers head coach in 2017. His title was passing game specialist in 2021 and passing game coordinator a year ago.

The news was first reported by NFL Network.

Given Ryans' background is in defense, Slowik will be the the play-caller and play designer for a new offensive system. There's a ceiling to how much responsibility an offensive coach gets with the 49ers given in that Shanahan runs the team's offense.

The staff was juggled last season after the departure of longtime Shanahan assistant Mike McDaniel, who became head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Chris Foerster added the title “run game coordinator” to his duties coaching the offensive line and Slowik was the “passing game coordinator.”

The presence of Ryans and Slowik in Houston could mean an interest in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo when the free agency signing period opens March 13. The Texans own the No. 2 pick in the draft and could have their pick of any quarterback available including Alabama's Bryce Young. Chicago, with the No. 1 pick, selected Justin Fields in the first round last season.

Other 49ers scheduled for free agency who could be in play include safety Jimmie Ward, tackle Mike McGlinchey, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, center Jake Brendel, tackle/ guard Daniel Brunskill and tackle Colton McKivitz.

The 49ers have made no announcements regarding changes to the coaching staff and aren't expect to make the hiring of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks official until coaches return from vacation.