The Houston Texans have made significant changes to their coaching staff by firing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and offensive line coach Chris Strausser, as confirmed by a source familiar with the situation. These changes come on the heels of a disappointing offensive performance that followed what was initially viewed as a breakthrough season in 2023.
Under Slowik’s guidance, the Texans’ offense had shown promise, finishing 12th in scoring and yardage, significantly contributing to rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s success. Stroud went on to receive the prestigious AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and led the Texans to their first playoff appearance in four years. Notably, Stroud became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game when the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round.
However, the 2024 season did not unfold as expected. The Texans ranked 19th in scoring and 22nd in total yardage. Stroud, after a strong rookie campaign, struggled in his second year, facing a staggering 52 sacks—second-most in the league. His performance dipped significantly, with his interception total increasing from five to twelve.
Despite these challenges, the Texans managed to secure a 10-7 record for the second consecutive year, advancing through the wild-card playoff round against the Los Angeles Chargers before being eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. The team faced multiple injuries to key players, including running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, which severely affected their offensive rhythm.
While the firings may come as a surprise, they reflect the Texans’ pursuit of improvement and consistency. With some of their core players battling injuries, the team has shown resilience by navigating through a tough season and will likely seek to develop a more effective offensive strategy moving forward.
Ultimately, these coaching changes highlight the Texans’ commitment to enhancing their performance as they look towards future seasons with renewed resolve and optimism.