Tag: Bobby Slowik

Texans interview Vikings’ Grant Udinski for OC opening

The Houston Texans recently interviewed Minnesota Vikings coach Grant Udinski for their offensive coordinator opening

Add another name to the mix for the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator opening.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texans interviewed Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Grant Udinski on Thursday as a potential replacement for Bobby Slowik, who was fired last week after two seasons with the AFC South franchise.

Udinski, 29, is considered a rising star in the industry and remains a hot name after interviews with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2019, he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Baylor and later joined Matt Rhule with the Carolina Panthers.

After two years in Carolina, he joined the Vikings’ staff under Kevin O’Connell, Last offseason, Udinski was promoted to assistant offensive coordinator, alongside Wes Phillips.

Since Slowik’s firing the Texans have interviewed seven candidates. Internally, the team has met with quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor.

As external candidates, the Texans have interviewed Udinski, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nick Caley and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis. They’re expected to interview Washington Commanders passing-game coordinator Brian Johnson on Friday.

Texans interview Tampa Bay’s Thad Lewis for OC opening

Thad Lewis is the newest name to join the crew for the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator.

Another name has appeared on the Houston Texans’ radar for the offensive coordinator opening entering the midway point of the week.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans interviewed Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis for their offensive coordinator job on Tuesday.

Both head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio are in Mobile, Ala. for the Senior Bowl, so it’s unclear if the interview happened on Zoom or in person.

Lewis, a former quarterback who actually played for the Texans during his career, is the third person to interview with Houston to replace Bobby Slowik. He joins Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon and Texans quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson, who interviewed for the position on Monday.

Slowik was fired on Friday after two seasons. Regression set in with C.J. Stroud despite an 11-8 finish and division title, thus leading to friction behind closed doors.

One key element Houston’s looking for in its next coordinator is a stable relationship with Stroud. Lewis’ background as a quarterback in the league could be beneficial to his growth.

In seven NFL seasons, Lewis, 37, played for the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2017.

A former quarterback at Duke, Lewis became Tampa Bay’s receivers coach in 2021 and was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2023.

Lewis also spent two seasons at UCLA (2018-19) as an offensive analyst under Chip Kelly before interning with the Bucs under Bruce Arians in 2020.

Texans Wire OC candidates: Making the case for Syracuse OC Jeff Nixon

Jeff Nixon just led Syracuse to the top passing attack in college football and might be the favorite to replace Bobby Slowik with the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are looking for a new man to lead the offense following the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik Friday afternoon.

Fresh off back-to-back AFC South division titles, Houston remains a prime location for any play-caller to flourish. The Texans have the quarterback in C.J. Stroud. They also have weapons, with Pro Bowlers Nico Collins and Joe Mixon back for 2025.

The Texans are expected to make a run at several offensive pieces in free agency and the draft, thus bolstering the personnel heading into 2025. And until plans change in Indianapolis, Tennessee, or Jacksonville, Houston remains the favorite to win the division entering next fall.

So, who are the top candidates?

Texans Wire will analyze a candidate each day until the hiring process concludes. Today, we begin with the individual that most fans wish will depart and move to Houston.

First, let’s discuss the guy the Texans just interviewed: Syracuse’s Jeff Nixon.

Background

Current position: Syracuse offensive coordinator

Previous coaching experience: New York Giants running backs coach (2023), Carolina Panthers running backs coach/interim offensive coordinator (2020-22), Baylor offensive coordinator (20017-19), San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach (2016), Miami Dolphins running backs coach (2011-15), Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach (2007-10)

Interview: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025

Pros

Nixon’s offense made a splash in the ACC this past season under first-year head coach Fran Brown. While most expected the run game to be a focal point of the Orange’s success, it was the high-tempo passing performance that excelled the ACC club to a record-setting campaign.

As the primary play-caller, Nixon’s personnel was the nation’s No. 1 passing offense, averaging 370 yards per game. Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord led the NCAA in passing yards (4,799) and passing attempts (592).

The senior also broke former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s single-season ACC passing record at Clemson set in 2016 while leading SU to its first 10-win season since 2018.

Running back LeQuint Allen also led the NCAA in catches for running backs (64) and had over 1,500 scrimmage yards. Allen also averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 12 games.

If the Texans want to be a more up-tempo offense in 2025, Nixon should remain in the running. According to The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren, SU primarily lived in short passing attacks.

Nearly half of McCord’s pass attempts were between 0-9 yards, while his release time of 2.4 seconds was the fifth-fastest among FBS passers. Stroud’s 2.97 seconds was the NFL’s ninth-fastest. The former No. 2 overall pick also loves to attack the middle of the field, as evident by his connections with Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz in 2023.

Houston ranked 24th in explosive plays last season behind Slowik’s offense. Nixon’s unit was one of the best. McCord ranked second nationally on passes of 20+ air yards, completing 53% of his throws for nine touchdowns against three turnovers.

Unlike Stroud, McCord’s system allowed him to thrive under pressure. According to Warren,  McCord’s 26.9% was the fifth-highest in the country. Stroud was pressured 39.4% on dropbacks.

The system will differ from Slowik’s design, but it’s meant to help move the chains promptly. Nixon emphasizes production and consistency as the root of the offensive approach. It works in all three stages of the field and eliminates one option as the go-to force in the passing game.

Cons

Nixon’s limited time as a play-caller in the pros did not go as planned. After Matt Rhule was fired in 2022, he took over as the interim offensive coordinator and struggled to build momentum.

Credit, Nixon was working with an aging Cam Newton who had lost the ability to throw and a lackluster run game that traded away Christian McCaffery, so the designs were one-dimensional. But after the season concluded, he never received an interview for an opening to call plays in the offseason.

All of Nixon’s success running an offense has come at the college level. Will it translate to the pros? It’s a concern since any more regression could stall the growth of Stroud as he enters Year 3.

Syracuse also featured a five-tool passing attack, with four players hauling at least 50 passes. Five totaled over 500 yards and three found the end zone eight-plus times.

Is that sustainable for the current offensive status? Collins is back as the top receiver. Mixon returns in the backfield. Everyone else is up for grabs, including free agents Robert Woods and Stefon Diggs on the market.

Final Verdict

Initially, fans seemed frustrated at the interview, but the more you dive into the Xs and Os, Nixon is a solid option. Areas of weakness for Stroud last season were positions for strength for McCord, who served as Stroud’s backup at Ohio State for two seasons.

NFL experience plus time a play-caller crosses off two immediate boxes that have concerned fans. A background in the running back likely adds to Nixon’s case since the run game was an arid weakness before Mixon’s arrival.

Then again, Stroud is the selling point, so having experience as a quarterbacks coach might be a prerequisite.

The Texans must comply with the Rooney Rule and interview two minority candidates. Could Nixon just fit a quota? Perhaps, but the more you dive into his personnel packages, the more you like him.

Houston fans might not be on board with the move based on name alone, but appearances can be deceiving. It’s not the slam dunk hire based on name, yet it could be why Stroud returns to All-Pro form.

But other names still exist. Let’s play it safe and say Nixon has a hair’s chance to stand on the sidelines at NRG Stadium come Week 1.

Chances of hiring: 15%

Texans interview Syracuse’s Jeff Nixon for offensive coordinator opening

The first name from the outside has interviewed for the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator opening.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans offensive coordinator search is officially underway with another name emerging as a candidate for the position.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon interviewed for the open position after a breakout season with the Orange.

Last season under first-year coach Fran Brown, Nixon’s offense took the ACC by storm. With Kyle McCord as the starting quarterback, the Orange had the nation’s No. 1 passing offense, averaging 370 yards per game.

McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, broke former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s single-season ACC passing record at Clemson set in 2016 with 4,779 yards. The senior also ranked top five in passing touchdowns (37) and top 10 in completion percentage (66.0) and passer rating (148.8).

Running back LeQuint Allen also led all FBS running backs in receptions (64) and had over 1,500 scrimmage yards. He totaled 16 rushing touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per run.

The Orange ranked eighth in third-down conversions (49%), ninth in red zone touchdowns (43) and 21st in scoring (34.1 points per game). Behind his play-calling, the Orange totaled their first 10-win season in six years.

Nixon is the second candidate linked to the opening. Current Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson also has interviewed for the job.

Nixon previously New York Giants in 2023, helping Saquon Barkley rush for 962 yards and six TDs. Throughout his career, the veteran running backs coach has also worked with Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Reggie Bush and Christian McCaffery.

Over his two decades coaching, Nixon spent ample time in the NFL, coaching with the Philadelphia Eagles (2007-10), Miami Dolphins (2011-15), San Francisco 49ers (2016), Carolina Panthers (2020-22) and New York Giants (2023).

Nixon was previously the offensive coordinator at Baylor from 2017-19 under Matt Rhule before joining his staff in Carolina, eventually taking over as the interim offensive coordinator in 2021 following the firing of Joe Brady.

The Texans fired Bobby Slowik last week after two AFC South division titles. One key element Houston is looking for in its next play-caller is a relationship with former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

Texans to interview QB coach Jerrod Johnson for OC opening

The Houston Texans might promote from within for their next offensive coordinator option.

The primary goal for the Houston Texans‘ next offensive coordinator is to make quarterback C.J. Stroud feel comfortable.

It makes sense why quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson is considered an internal favorite to receive the promotion.

The Texans plan to interview Johnson for their offensive coordinator job in place of Bobby Slowik, who was fired last week following the AFC Divisional Round loss.

Johnson, a former quarterback at Texas A&M and veteran passer who played for six teams during his NFL career, is regarded as a top internal candidate, according to reports. 

Johnson, who’s been Stroud’s quarterback coach for two seasons, previously worked with the former two-time Heisman finalist before his time at Ohio State. The two first began working with Stroud when the Rancho Cucamonga, California native was 16 years old at an Elite 11 camp.

“One thing that I can say about Jerrod, you talk about somehow who knows how to play the position of quarterback and knows how to relay something, but also just a great person, man,” Stroud said last offseason of his relationship with Johnson. “A guy who loves football, he loves Houston, he loves Texas.

“Someone who has just taught me a tremendous amount of information, but on top of that, put a lot of confidence into me as well.”

Last season, Stroud struggled to recapture his 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year magic under Slowik’s play design. After leading the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio as a rookie, Stroud threw 20 touchdowns, three fewer than his rookie season.

He also tossed 12 interceptions, seven more than he threw in his first season, and posted a passer rating of 87.0.

As a unit, the Texans also continued to spiral after a 6-2 start. Stroud was sacked 52 times, the second-most among starting quarterbacks. A year after finishing top 12 in passing and scoring, Houston ranked 22nd in total offense and 19th in scoring, averaging less than 24 points per game.

Johnson interviewed last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots before eventually returning to Houston.

“It’s been just a blessing to work with him and, whatever happens, I’m excited for him, and he deserves everything that’s coming for him,” Stroud said last season of Johnson. “I’m super blessed to be able to work with him.”

While Houston could pivot in a different direction for the offensive coordinator opening, Johnson could have options. According to KRPC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the New York Jets are expected to interview him following the hiring of former Texans Pro Bowl cornerback and former Detriot Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Other candidates rumored to Houston include Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nick Caley, and Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.

Talented offensive coach surprisingly hits the market

The Texans made the playoffs and still fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Back in 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Brian Flores to be a senior defensive assistant and help coach the linebackers. We aren’t sure how much Flores was involved in the defense but it’s been clear since he left Pittsburgh for the Minnesota Vikings, he is an excellent mind and one the Steelers probably shouldn’t have let leave.

This offseason the Steelers might have a similar opportunity only on the offensive side of the football. Out of nowhere, the Houston Texans relieved offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. This is a guy who was named a hot head coaching candidate just a year ago and is the man credited with how quickly quarterback C.J. Stroud has come into his own.

The Steelers are in a position where they could be starting Justin Fields next season and having a highly-drafted rookie on the roster in 2025. Slowik as an offensive consultant could be the mastermind of fixing the Steelers quarterback position and finally bringing the Steelers offense into the modern age of the NFL.

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Texans Wire OC candidates: Making the case for Ohio State OC Chip Kelly

Chip Kelly just won a national title and might be the favorite to replace Bobby Slowik with the Houston Texans in 2025.

The Houston Texans are looking for a new man to lead the offense following the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik Friday afternoon.

Fresh off back-to-back AFC South division titles, Houston remains a prime location for any play-caller to flourish. The Texans have the quarterback in C.J. Stroud. They also have weapons, with Pro Bowlers Nico Collins and Joe Mixon back for 2025.

The Texans are expected to make a run at several offensive pieces in free agency and the draft, thus bolstering the personnel heading into 2025. And until plans change in Indianapolis, Tennessee, or Jacksonville, Houston remains the favorite to win the division entering next fall.

So, who are the top candidates?

Texans Wire will analyze a candidate each day until the hiring process concludes. Today, we begin with the individual that most fans wish will depart and move to Houston.

First up, let’s talk about Chip Kelly

Background

Current position: Ohio State offensive coordinator

Previous coaching experience: UCLA head coach (2018-2023), Oregon head coach (2009-2012), Oregon offensive coordinator (2007-08)

NFL experience: Philadelphia Eagles head coach (2013-15), San Francisco 49ers head coach (2016).

Pros

Kelly is the hottest name on the market and is expected to draw interest from multiple teams. Tampa Bay just lost Liam Coen to the Jacksonville Jaguars and should be all over the Buckeyes’ play-caller.

Most in Columbus believe that if Kelly was offered an NFL job tomorrow he’d take it. He also doesn’t seem inclined to become a head coach at the college level again, so there’s a strong chance his loyalty remains with the program until an NFL team comes knocking.

There’s proof of concept with Kelly’s system. The Buckeyes are coming off a national championship in Kelly’s first season and dominated each opponent en route to Atlanta.

Last season in the booth, Kelly’s offense ranked 12th in scoring (37.5 points per game), 28th in total yards (429.4 yards per game) and 31st out of 134 teams in red-zone scoring (88.7%).

There’s also connections to head coach DeMeco Ryans. During his final years, Kelly coached Ryans in Philadelphia, naming him a team captain for 2014 and 2015.

During his opening press conference in 2023, Ryans mentioned Kelly as a mentor and a reason why he wanted to get into coaching.

“He was a master motivator, but he was always an innovator,” Ryans said. “Chip Kelly, he was always on the cutting edge. Always looking for ways to get better with sports science, technology.”

Cons

Kelly might not want to leave Columbus. Much like Ryans, he was a mentor to current Buckeyes coach Ryan Day when the two worked in New Hampshire.

When Kelly wanted to leave Los Angeles, Day didn’t hesitate to bring him onto the staff. A year later, Ohio State won its first title since 2014.

There’s some comfort in staying in Columbus. The Buckeyes should remain a favorite to win the national title next season with the return of wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremah Smith.

Kelly also could factor into the success of former No. 1 overall QB recruit Julian Sayin, who’s expected to win the starting job in place of Will Howard. Sayin has all the tools to become one of the nation’s top passers while competing for a Heisman Trophy.

Another job available might also entice Kelly over Houston. Pete Carroll recently was hired by Las Vegas. Despite their brief rivalry in the Pac-10, the 73-year-old needs a play-caller.

Caroll turns 74 this season. How long do you think he’ll coach before eventually calling it a career? Kelly could be groomed under his watch to eventually take over as early as 2026.

Tampa also could be promising since Kelly’s system best fits a player like Baker Mayfield. The mobility of the former No. 1 overall pick adds a second layer to the play-calling that only enhances the offense.

Last season, Mayfield threw a career-high 41 touchdown passes and rushed for 378 yards while tacking on three more scores.

Much like Las Vegas, Tampa could eventually promote Kelly to head coach should Todd Bowles retire in the coming seasons. Ryans isn’t going anywhere after totaling 22 wins in his first two seasons.

Final Verdict

If the Texans can lure Kelly away from college, they should. He’s an offensive innovator who understands his resources and builds a system based on strengths.

Stroud would benefit from an offense that relies on an up-tempo approach while prioritizing the run game. Collins and potentially Stefon Diggs would feast in the passing game because of the concepts.

But something seems off. While Kelly could make a run back to the pros, something feels like Tampa is calling. Working with Mayfield might seem like a better overall fit for his offense to take another step forward.

Right now, Houston and Tampa feel like the favorites to land him. Even Jacksonville could make a run for Kelly since Coen’s offense basically stems from the same baseline as the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator.

It’s hard to imagine Kelly not leaving Columbus, but if betting on Kelly or the field to arrive at NRG Stadium next season, lean toward the field.

Even if working with Stroud is enticing.

Chances of hiring: 25%

Texans fire OC Bobby Slowik after 2 seasons

Bobby Slowik is out as the Texans’ offensive coordinator following two seasons at NRG Stadium.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans are making a switch.

The Texans have fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik after two years in Houston, according to multiple reports.

Houston also fired offensive line coach Chris Strausser after the unit allowed second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud to be sacked 54 times last fall.

While the Texans won the AFC South (10-7) in 2024 and reached the divisional round for the second consecutive season, the offense was inconsistent throughout the regular season.

Even with injuries, regression from Stroud and the uncreative approach to Slowik’s play designs were a glaring weakness that led to several second-half collapses, including in Week 9 against the New York Jets, Week 10 against the Detroit Lions and Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans.

Following Saturday’s divisional round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he wanted to take a week to evaluate the staff.

When asked about Slowik’s performance in Year 2, Ryans was brief with his response.

“I think overall with Bobby, I saw some growth,” Ryans said. “I saw some improvement throughout the year.”

After helping Stroud win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Slowik’s regression led to complete regression. Expected to be one of the top offenses in the league with a “five-headed monster” in the passing game, Houston finished 22nd in total yards per game, 21st in passing, 19th in scoring and 15th in rushing for 2024.

“Overall, offensively, it wasn’t where we wanted to be,” Ryans said. “There were challenges throughout the year, that is every year. You have challenges, you have ups and downs where you try to figure out the course, who we have and how to make it work. We have to improve.”

The Texans are expected to have a list of candidates in line to work with Stroud, including internal options like quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson.

A hire should be made within the coming week.

Will Texans bring back OC Bobby Slowik for 2025?

Bobby Slowik’s status remains uncertain as the Houston Texans enter the 2025 offseason.

The biggest question surrounding the Houston Texans has little to do with which free agents are back.

It’s probably not regarding April’s NFL draft, where the No. 25 overall pick could be a vital asset to the team’s foundation moving into 2025.

Those who are wondering if C.J. Stroud can get back to his Offensive Rookie of the Year form will have to take a backseat for now.

No, all sights turn to Bobby Slowik’s status for 2025. Will he be back at NRG Stadium in Week 1?

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans quickly answered in his final press conference that all coaching decisions won’t be made until next week. That gives Slowik a bit more time to plead his case as to why he’s deserving of a third season in Houston.

The writing has been on the wall for offensive changes since Week 7, which began a month-long hiatus of failing to score on offense in the second half of games. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser isn’t expected back after Stroud was sacked 54 times, the second-most among QBs in 2024.

But Slowik, who helped the Ohio State passer turn into one of the game’s rising stars, could be given one more chance to prove 2024 was a fluke rather than the norm.

As for where he sits now, Ryans kept his analysis brief.

“I think overall with Bobby, I saw some growth, saw some improvement throughout the year,” Ryans said Monday.

While Slowik’s play design regressed after finishing top 12 in passing and scoring, not all hinges on the Xs and Os. Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs was lost for the season in Week 8. Fellow Pro Bowler Nico Collins missed five games with a hamstring while running back Joe Mixon missed three.

The offensive line falls under Strausser’s work and injuries stockpiled to where six different units saw action en route to another division title. And with more film on Stroud, the rookie had a sophomore slump.

That shouldn’t excuse the lack of creativity on early downs or the inability to establish an identity in the second half of games. The lack of talent should have led to a style change, though the same predictable plays continued to plague the offense.

Houston finished the regular season ranked 22nd in total offense, averaging 319.7 yards per game, and 19th in points per game. Stroud, who finished with 23 touchdown passes against five interceptions, upped his turnover rate and decreased his touchdown total.

“Overall offensively, we have to improve,” Ryans said. “It wasn’t where we wanted it to be. There were challenges throughout the year. We have to improve.”

Houston plans on attacking free agency and the draft to rebuild the offensive line. Collins and Mixon are locked up long-term. Despite a down season from Dalton Schultz, he’s expected back as the starting tight end for now.

But Stroud needs help. He requires a more stable offensive line. The receiving room needs more than just Collins if it plans on being a top 10 unit, injuries or not.

He also must learn how to improve his pocket awareness. Trusting his legs also could benefit the offense taking another step forward if Slowik is retained for a third year.

Stroud found a rhythm on the ground during the postseason. Houston found a spark on offense against the league’s top-scoring defense during the wild-card round, totaling 25 points and 429 yards.

If that’s the version Slowik thinks he can bring out next season, perhaps changing the personnel around the main guy is ideal. And if Stroud has a say in the change, the odds could be 50/50.

“I definitely think he has a lot of success coming his way and I’ve been honored to have it with him and hopefully keep it going. Definitely on Bobby’s side and appreciative of all of things he has taught me and how great he has been in my career so far.”

Saints urged to pursue underrated offensive mind for HC opening

Bleacher Report argues the New Orleans Saints should pursue an underrated candidate in Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik:

The New Orleans Saints are one of the teams still looking for a new head coach and are also considered to be one of the least-desirable jobs in the market.

With some top options potentially looking elsewhere, knowing they could potentially land at an easier spot, the Saints could be forced to look at one of the less sought-after coaches this cycle.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport found someone that fits that bill, but is also very promising. He recently searched for an underrated head coach candidate for each team that would be a great fit. For New Orleans, he decided on Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Here is what Davenport had to say about why he would suggest the decision:

Hire a young offensive coach like Slowik. Be patient while the team pulls itself from salary-cap purgatory. And then reap the rewards when the young offense he helped build finally clicks.

Or, do the same thing as the past few years, break out 11 rolls of duct tape and hope Slowik can scheme a flawed team to 10 wins and the postseason.

Slowik has an interview lined up with the Jets, but he was a hotter candidate after C.J. Stroud’s rookie year. A sophomore slump slowed down that train, but Davenport walked away impressed with how Slowik led the Texans offense in the playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

At first, DeMeco Ryans’ defense kept the Texans in the game. When the offense clicked, however, they rolled the rest of the game. The Chargers are a tough defense, so Slowik deserves credit for that success.

He is another member of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, which the hire of Klint Kubiak shows that Mickey Loomis is intrigued by. Davenport sees Slowik’s age as another positive. He’s only 37 years old which gives the Saints and him a chance to grow together. As the Saints take their bumps, Slowik could refine himself as a coach. This isn’t the best win-now set up in New Orleans. They could afford to take their time with Slowik.

The Texans finished this season averaging one yard per game less than the Saints, making them the 11th-least productive unit in the league. A sophomore slump isn’t too worrying, given what he has shown before. He clearly knows the sport well and would be an intriguing option.

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