The Houston Texans have parted ways with their offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik. After an inconsistent second season under Slowik’s direction, the Texans and head coach DeMeco Ryans thought it was best to part ways. Here are five candidates to be the next Texans offensive coordinator.
Houston Texans Offensive Coordinator Candidates
Nick Caley, Los Angeles Rams Tight Ends coach and Passing Game Coordinator
Nick Caley, 42, has been regarded as a rising name in the coaching ranks on the offensive side. Caley was the tight ends coach in New England before heading over to the Los Angeles Rams for the same position.
Last offseason, Caley interviewed for multiple offensive coordinator openings and was offered jobs before ultimately deciding to stay with the Rams. In 2023, Caley interviewed for the offensive coordinator job with the Texans before the job ended up going to Slowik. There is a running joke in the NFL world about any coach who shakes hands with Sean McVay instantly becoming a hot name for a coaching job, but in this case, Caley would make sense as he can bring many things from a successful Rams offense. He helped coach.
Tanner Engstrand, Detroit Lions Passing Game Coordinator
Tanner Engstrand has been behind the scenes on one of the best offenses in the league the last couple of seasons in the Detroit Lions. He was front and center behind Ben Johnson, who is now the Chicago Bears’ head coach, putting together one of the most unstoppable offenses in the NFL.
This season, the Lions finished second in total yards and yards per game. They were also second in passing yards with 4,474 yards. They finished first in total points with 33.2 a game. Lions quarterback Jared Goff was selected for the Pro Bowl and is a finalist in the MVP awards. Engstrand could have a chance to help C.J. Stroud reach those heights at quarterback as well.
Jerrod Johnson, Houston Texans Quarterbacks coach
Jerrod Johnson would provide familiarity and stability for the Texans. Johnson has been the quarterback’s coach for the team for two seasons, so Texans head coach Ryans is familiar with Johnson and could give him the opportunity to step in and be the play-caller for the Texans.
Johnson was a big part of Stroud’s rise in an unforgettable rookie season. Stroud finished his rookie season as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has been on record raving about how Johnson can relay information and how good of a coach he was on and off the field.
Thomas Brown, Former Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator/Interim Head Coach
Thomas Brown’s 2024 NFL season was a whirlwind. He entered the season as the passing game coordinator and finished the season for the Chicago Bears as the interim head coach. After firing their offensive coordinator mid-season, Brown was promoted to the job and started to help turn things around for the Bears. The head coach, Matt Eberflus, was fired, and Brown was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach.
In the midst of all those changes, Brown was able to help rookie quarter Caleb Williams play some of his best football down the stretch for the Bears. Brown has also worked under McVay for multiple seasons and has been seen as a future head coach in the league.
Chip Kelly, Ohio State University Offensive Coordinator
Chip Kelly just coordinated one of the most explosive offensive in the country for Ohio State. His efforts helped the Buckeyes win the National Championship this season. Kelly also has NFL experience as a head coach, and his offenses during his time as a head coach were explosive. Stroud, an Ohio State Alum, did not play under Kelly while he was there; however, I’m sure Stroud wouldn’t mind playing for Kelly, seeing as what he has done for his Alma mater.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
