Slowik, Johnson sticking around for 2024
If you’re a Texans fan, and C.J. Stroud, Tuesday was a great day.
Both offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson agreed to new deals with the Texans to remain with the franchise for at least another season, a source confirmed to the Chronicle on Tuesday night.
Both men received pay raises, the source confirmed.
That means Stroud will have the same coaches and play in the same offensive system for two consecutive seasons, which is crucial toward his development.
Both Slowik and Johnson had been hot names on the coaching circuit after a successful season in 2023 where the Texans finished 10-7 and made it to the divisional round of the playoffs.
It was a significant improvement from 2022, a season in which the Texans were 25th in the NFL in passing yards per game and 31st in total yards. In 2023, the Texans were fifth in passing yards per game, and 12th in total yards.
Slowik, a finalist for AP Assistant Coach of the Year award, was in the running for multiple vacant NFL head coaching jobs. He interviewed with the Commanders, Falcons, Titans, Panthers and Seahawks.
Johnson was in the running for several vacant offensive coordinator positions, including the Saints, Browns, Steelers, Patriots and Eagles. On Tuesday, he had an in-person interview with the Buccaneers before informing them he would be returning to Houston.
Stroud in his season-ending press conference gave credit to both Slowik and Johnson for playing a part in his success. He said Johnson instilled confidence in him the first time he met him in high school. And he said Slowik held him accountable and made him a better player.
“Whatever happens with those guys, they deserve whatever is coming to them,” Stroud said last week. “It’s been a blessing working with them, but if they come back, that would be cool too.”
Rookie Stroud named to Pro Bowl roster
The NFL announced that Stroud will be a replacement on the 2024 Pro Bowl roster after Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes advanced to the Super Bowl. Stroud is the first rookie quarterback to make the Pro Bowl since New England’s Mac Jones in 2021.
Stroud is the third Texans player named to the Pro Bowl games. He joins edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil.