The Texans’ success in DeMeco Ryans’ first season has led to opposing teams pursing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson. Both interviewed for multiple jobs – Slowik as a head coach and Johnson as an offensive coordinator.
Until all the jobs are filled – or until Slowik and Johnson tell Ryans they’re staying with him for another season – the Texans will have to hold their collective breath hoping they won’t lose two assistants who did outstanding jobs this season.
Ryans came from the 49ers, who know what it’s like to lose coaches and front office executives every year. It’s the price of success. The Texans going from 3-13-1 to 10-7 in Ryans’ first season, including an AFC South title and wild card victory over the Browns, is getting a lot of well-deserved recognition. It’s not surprising Slowik and Johnson are attracting attention because of the crucial roles they played in rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s development.
Four openings for head coaches remain – Falcons, Commanders, Seahawks and Panthers. Slowik has been or will be interviewed two times by Atlanta, Washington and Carolina. He began his NFL coaching career under Mike Shanahan with the Commanders before relocating to the 49ers when Kyle Shanahan was hired as San Francisco’s head coach in 2017.