Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans to retain key staff members, taking potential HC candidates off the board

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 1/30/24

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik isn't going anywhere.

NFL insider Albert Breer reported that Slowik has agreed to a revised contract with the Texans, removing him from contention for the Commanders and Seahawks head coaching jobs.

Texans OC Bobby Slowik has agreed to a new deal in Houston within the past few days, one that includes a significant raise, per sources. Slowik impressed multiple NFL clubs thru the interview process.

But he's sticking in Houston. He'll be a hot name in 2025.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 30, 2024

Shortly afterward, Ian Rapoport reported Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, who interviewed twice for the offensive coordinator job in New Orleans, is also staying.

Sources: #Texans QBs coach Jerrod Johnson has informed teams interested in hiring him as an OC that he plans to return to Houston. A big development for the #Texans, as Johnson wants to finish what he started with CJ Stroud, DeMeco Ryans, OC Bobby Slowik and the organization. pic.twitter.com/mpMoKThYsy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2024

Slowik interviewed for the Seahawks and Commanders openings earlier this month, but both must look elsewhere with him staying in Houston to continue coaching the likely Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year, quarterback C.J. Stroud.

In 2022, the Texans ranked 30th in scoring offense (17 points per game). This season, Slowik's first year as offensive coordinator, Houston was 13th, averaging 22.2 points per game.

Stroud was excellent, going 319-of-499 (63.9 percent) for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions, giving him the league's lowest interception rate (one percent).

Slowik's and Johnson's decision to stay instead of pursuing promotions elsewhere says a lot about what head coach DeMeco Ryans is building in Houston. Seattle has 11 winning seasons in the last 12 years, New Orleans has an easy pathway to the playoffs in the NFC South, and Washington has the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but no one would suggest any of those situations are better than Houston's.

The Texans are an ascending team with a bright future. It only makes sense that Slowik and Johnson would want to soak up the sun.

More must-reads: