Tag: Bobby Slowik

15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023: No. 8 Bobby Slowik

Up next in our “15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023” series is Bobby Slowik, who helped unlock rookie C.J. Stroud.

The Houston Texans had an extremely successful 2023 campaign.

They cruised to a 10-7 record under new head coach DeMeco Ryans and captured several accolades along the way. They won the AFC South and won a playoff game for the first time since the 2019 season. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud won PFWA’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, rookie edge rusher Will Anderson won PFWA’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, and even Ryans took home hardware with PFWA’s Coach of the Year.

With a revamped team effort that led to dramatic improvements compared to both the 2021 and 2022 Texans, it’s worth examining who created that impact this past season and what their future projects moving forward.

This series has taken a look at defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, running back Devin Singletary, rookie receiver Tank Dell, and veteran tackle George Fant, and upstart linebacker Blake Cashman.

Entering the top 10, we took a closer look at cornerback Steven Nelson and linebacker Christian Harris. Now, rookie offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik takes the spotlight.

Texans OC Bobby Slowik also off the table for Seahawks head coach job

According to Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated, he got a significant raise to stay.

If the Seahawks had their hearts set on hiring one of the NFL’s bright young offensive minds, their options have diminished this week. Yesterday we learned that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson told Seattle and Washington that he’s staying in Detroit to try to win a Super Bowl.

We also learned that Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is staying in Houston. According to Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated, he got a significant raise to stay.

Slowik did brilliant work this season with C.J. Stroud, who had the best rookie season of any quarterback since Cam Newton and has a skillset that’s similar to Geno Smith’s.

It would have been interesting to see what Slowik or Johnson might have done with this Seattle offense, but the team still has choices if they want to go this route, defying the conventional wisdom that they’re looking for a defensive candidate. According to the latest reporting from ESPN, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is a candidate to watch if they don’t end up hiring Mike Macdonald.

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Bobby Slowik, Jerrod Johnson elect to run it back with Texans in 2024

The Texans return two key offensive coaches in Bobby Slowik and Jerrod Johnson, who chose to stay in Houston for the 2024 season.

After the Houston Texans season ended with a crushing 34-10 loss in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, quarterback C.J. Stroud was ready to “Run It Back” immediately. With the amount of success the Texans had this season, with 11 total wins, they want that feeling of exhilaration from the victories and the fans.

Stroud, the odds-on favorite to win the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is securely in place to lead the franchise for the next few years. So is most of his offensive line led by 2023 Pro Bowl starter Laremy Tunsil when you add in wide receiver Tank Dell, the potential of Nico Collins being signed to a long-term deal, and additions to the running back position through free agency or the draft.

The only uncertainty was if the Texans would have offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik back to design plays and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson helping Stroud improve for another season.

Slowik, who like Stroud is also in contention to be recognized as the 2023 Assistant Coach of the Year at the NFL Honors in Las Vegas, has been interviewed by numerous teams such as the Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Carolina Panthers since the end of the Texans season.

Yet, according to confirmed league sources, he has decided that the best course of action was for him to stay and finish what he started with his friend, head coach DeMeco Ryans, who gave Slowik an opportunity to call plays for the first time in his career based on the relationship he formed with him during their days with the San Francisco 49ers.

“I knew he was going to push me hard,” Stroud said about Slowik’s approach with him. “He was going to be hard on me. He held me to a standard all year. He held me accountable. A lot of times when you’re playing good ball, guys, they kind of let you do what you do and leave you alone. Bobby was always on me about the little details in my position, and I appreciated that because you don’t always get that. He was always just hard on me, but also showed me a lot of love – a ton of love.”

This season has been an incredible ride for quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, who, like Slowik, appreciated the opportunities he was given to interview this offseason.

Johnson, who played quarterback at Texas A&M University, was a candidate for the offensive coordinator jobs with the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers but instead stayed loyal to the Houston Texans franchise and coach Ryans, according to confirmed league sources. It was Ryans who gave him the opportunity to come back home (Johnson is a Houston native) and help develop Stroud, who finished the season with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also led the league with 273.9 yards per game.

“I’ve known Jerrod since I was 16,” Stroud said about Johnson in his final interview with the media to end the season. “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. 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.”

“When I was 16 at the Elite 11, we did like this little circle group; it was like all the quarterbacks in my group. Jerrod’s one thing for me was like, ‘Be confident.’ At that time, I wasn’t really the highest recruit. I wasn’t who I would become. I always knew it would be a possibility, but I didn’t hear those type of – Jerrod is someone I looked up to. When he was like, ‘Man, you need to be more confident,’ it changed my life. From there, fast forward, and now I’m here with him in my rookie year; it’s been just a blessing to work with him. I’m excited for him, and he deserves everything that’s coming for him. I’m super blessed to be able to work with him and Bobbly [Slowik].”

Houston’s abysmal offense improved from 25th in passing yards per game in 2022 to fifth in 2023 under Slowik’s and Johnson’s guidance this season.

Ravens chances of keeping DC Mike Macdonald dwindle after Ben Johnson stays with Lions

Ravens DC Mike Macdonald is now the top coaching candidate for Commanders and Sehawks after Ben Johnson stays with the Detroit Lions

Two head coaching vacancies remain (Commanders-Seahawks) ahead of this week’s NFL Pro Bowl, and Mike Macdonald could be the top choice for both teams after Ben Johnson’s announcement.

The Lions offensive coordinator has removed his name from interest for the two remaining jobs, choosing to run it back with the Detroit Lions after reaching the NFC title game.

With Johnson bowing out, Baltimore will likely lose their offensive coordinator unless something outrageous occurs.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could be the answer for Seattle or Washington.

In contrast, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is another rising name and could be a candidate for both jobs as well.

15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023: No. 13 Tank Dell

Up next in our “15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023” series is WR Tank Dell, whose promising rookie season was cut short due to injury.

The Houston Texans had an unbelievable year.

After three consecutive, dreadful campaigns in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively, they turned things around in a big way under first year head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

In a season that saw players step up across the board, it’s a fruitful exercise to look at who made the biggest impact on the Texans making such a dramatic leap and if they’re likely to repeat that same type of performance in 2024.

This list is counting through the Top 15 Most Impactful Texans, with Sheldon Rankins and Devin Singletary already receiving well-deserved nods. Now, attention turns to the explosive rookie wide receiver Tank Dell.

Report: Ravens DC Mike Macdonald and others still in play for Commanders’ head coaching opening

Mike Macdonald, Dan Quinn and others remain in contention for Washington along with the presumed leader, Ben Johnson.

Almost everyone believes that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be the next head coach of the Washington Commanders. Multiple NFL insiders have gone on record, with some saying it’s a “foregone conclusion” that Johnson will be Washington’s next head coach.

Per a new report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, not so fast.

While Schefter said Johnson could indeed be Washington’s next head coach, calling him the “presumptive favorite” may be premature.

There are some who have viewed Johnson as the “presumptive favorite” for the Washington job, but multiple sources insist that is not true. While Johnson could land the Commanders head coaching job, sources insist that there are other strong candidates — most notably Macdonald, Weaver, Glenn and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn — who still are “very much in play.”

Johnson, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Ravens associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will all coach in Sunday’s conference championship games. Quinn’s Cowboys were eliminated two weeks ago, and he will meet with Washington for a second time this week.

The Commanders are traveling to Detroit to conduct second interviews with Johnson and Glenn.

Quinn has been linked to Seattle — where he served as defensive coordinator for three seasons under Pete Carroll — since Carroll and the Seahawks parted ways. And while Seattle and Washington could’ve already hired Quinn instead of waiting, both franchises have chosen to wait.

Schefter said the Seahawks haven’t had the chance to interview Macdonald but did interview Johnson. That means Seattle can’t interview Macdonald until after Baltimore’s season ends. However, the Seahawks can interview Johnson this week since it did have a virtual interview with him last week.

The Commanders and Seahawks have both interviewed Johnson, Quinn and Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

While Washington may be interested in Quinn, it does feel like this is setting up to be a Johnson vs. Macdonald battle for the Commanders, with Johnson still the favorite.

We shall see.

Falcons holding second interview with Texans OC Bobby Slowik

The Falcons are currently holding a second interview with Texans OC Bobby Slowik

The Atlanta Falcons continue to explore all avenues in their search for a new head coach, hosting Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik for a second interview on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported.

Slowik, 36, was hired as the Texans offensive coordinator in 2023 after a six-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Houston’s offense helped the team make a surprise playoff appearance this season. Slowik was credited with his work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Slowik joined the 49ers under Kyle Shanahan as a defensive quality control coach in 2017 and worked his way up to passing-game coordinator in 2022. The former Texans play-caller also spent time as an analyst at Pro Football Focus.

The Falcons have interviewed 14 total candidates for their head coach opening thus far. Raheem Morris, Ejiro Evero and Mike Vrabel have already been interviewed this week and the team is expected to hold additional in-person interviews with Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.

Commanders meet with Texans OC Bobby Slowik for a 2nd time

Bobby Slowik had his second interview of the week with the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders’ search for a new head coach continues this week with second in-person interviews on tap with their candidates.

On Monday, Washington scheduled in-person interviews with Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Rams’ defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Four of Washington’s other candidates were busy this week preparing for the conference championship games, leaving Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik available. Slowik’s first interview with Washington came virtually on Sunday — one day after the Ravens eliminated the Texans from the postseason.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Commanders wasted no time setting up an in-person interview with Slowik. The two sides met on Tuesday. Slowik will also have a second interview with the Falcons on Thursday.

Slowik was a first-year coordinator for Houston last season under new head coach DeMeco Ryans. The Texans went from worst to first, with Slowik assisting in the development of quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud was phenomenal as a rookie, and Slowik, who comes from the Kyle Shanahan tree, became a hot candidate for multiple head coaching openings this offseason.

Falcons to hold second interview with Texans OC Bobby Slowik

REPORT: Atlanta Falcons to hold second interview with Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik

The Atlanta Falcons are entering their second round of interviews and you can add Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik to that list.

Slowik interviewed virtually with the team last week and according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, he’s scheduled for a second interview later this week.

Slowik was hired as the Texans offensive coordinator in 2023 after a six-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers. He began as a defensive quality control coach in 2017 and worked his way up to passing-game coordinator in 2022. The former Texans play-caller also spent time as an analyst at Pro Football Focus.

The Falcons have interviewed 13 candidates for their head coach vacancy and several more in-person meetings are scheduled over the next week. Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh are among those expected back for a second interview.

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Commanders interviewed OC Eric Bieniemy for their head coaching opening last week

Washington interviewed AHC/OC Eric Bieniemy for its vacant head coaching position last week.

The Washington Commanders requested permission to speak with seven assistants from other teams shortly after firing head coach Ron Rivera on Jan 9.

The Commanders interviewed Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver first. Last week, Washington interviewed Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

On Sunday, the Commanders interviewed Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Beyond those seven names, it wasn’t certain if Washington would expand its list beyond these candidates. However, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Commanders interviewed a familiar face last week.

Anderson reported that Washington brass interviewed offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy last week. The interview was “detailed” and “checked all of the boxes.”

Interviewing Bieniemy is not a surprise. It makes sense for owner Josh Harris and new GM Adam Peters to give Bieniemy a chance to make his pitch. And, per Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Harris and Peters both were involved in Bieniemy’s interview.

This doesn’t mean Washington will hire Bieniemy, but it does mean he has a chance. It’s also a good idea for Peters to speak with Bieniemy formally to gain some insight into Washington’s roster.

It’s the first known interview in this cycle for Bieniemy, who has interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs in the past.