Tag: C.J. Stroud

Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson sticking around for 2025 season

Jerrod Johnson is back with the Houston Texans for the 2025 season.

Jerrod Johnson isn’t going anywhere.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Johnson is expected to remain the Houston Texans quarterback coach after interviewing for the offensive coordinator job.

On Monday, the job ultimately went to former Los Angeles Rams assistant coach Nick Caley following a two-year run with Sean McVay.

Johnson, 37, was a hot commodity for a potential promotion after his success with Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The favorite internal candidate,  Johnson also interviewed for the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets offensive coordinator openings.

The Raiders ultimately hired Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly while the Jets filled the position with Detriot Lions assistant Tanner Engstrand.

This marks the second offseason Johnson has been a name up for promotion. He interviewed last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots for their offensive coordinator positions, but elected to return to Houston for another year.

Part of the reason for his return is because of the relationship with Stroud. The two first met while Stroud was in high school at the Elite Eleven camp during his sophomore year.

The two’s relationship continued to build from Rancho Cucamonga toward bigger avenues during his time at Ohio State. Stroud has spoken highly for years about Johnson since his arrival in Houston in 2023.

“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. “A guy who loves football, he loves Houston, he loves Texas.”

The Texans own the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

What does the future hold for Chris Olave?

Between uncertain contract status, concerning injury history, and a new coach on the way, what does the future hold for New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave?

Change is in the air for the New Orleans Saints, and some of it might impact the best players on their roster. Between uncertain contract status, concerning injury history, and a new coach on the way, what does the future hold for Chris Olave?

The Saints must make a decision by May 2 on whether or not to pick up Olave’s fifth-year option, which is estimated at $15,161,000. He’s already under contract for the upcoming 2025 season. The question is whether to pay him like a top-15 player at his position in 2026, or to risk letting him walk away as a free agent. The franchise tag could be in play but it’ll be even more expensive than his fifth-year option. It’s going to increase from this year’s estimate of $25,693,000, which is top-five among wide receiver salaries.

So Olave’s long-term outlook is in doubt before we even get to his health. He’s one of the younger players on the team (he’ll turn 25 this summer) but has already suffered a series of concussions, including two in 2024. He’s given every indication he plans to keep playing football but those are serious brain injuries. He was limited to a career-low 32 catches and 400 yards in eight games because of it. Recurring concussions, or even the concern for them, can end a career. Some of Olave’s family members have already spoken out against him putting his body on the line for a team with no future.

And then you’ve got a new coach coming in, with the Saints expected to hire Kellen Moore after his duties as Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator conclude in Super Bowl LIX. On the one hand, Olave’s presence should be an attraction for a young, offensive-minded coach like Moore. That’s exactly the type of talent he’ll need to get the most out of his system. On the other hand, there may be other players Moore views as better fits for the role Olave would have in his offense. Rashid Shaheed was outproducing him last year before they both went down with injuries. For his part, Olave is excited about the prospect of working with Moore and says he plans on being a better version of himself for whoever is coaching the team.

We shouldn’t dismiss a trade out of hand. If the Saints have doubts about Olave’s health, future contract value, or fit in the offense they could look to get something back for him. One team that makes sense? The Houston Texans, who are working around the clock to support franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud and Olave played together at Ohio State and remain close. The Saints traded up in the 2022 draft to get Olave because they felt he was their missing piece. That was the wrong read on their situation. If they’re going to embrace a rebuild (and they should), sending him to a contender and getting back some draft picks back makes sense. Houston controls their own picks in each of the first four rounds. While they swung and missed in a trade for Stefon Diggs last year, they could try again with Olave. If the Saints can possibly get a first-round pick back for him, they owe it to themselves to look into it.

Ideally, none of this comes to pass. You’d hope for Olave to stay healthy and produce well in new offense before signing a long-term contract extension to keep playing in New Orleans. But things rarely go according to plan in the NFL. His career to this point has been proof of it. And with a critical juncture ahead this offseason, we have to assume anything could happen for No. 12.

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Texans WR Stefon Diggs could be top target for AFC contender

The Houston Texans could see Stefon Diggs stick around the AFC next season with a new team.

As the Houston Texans try to keep wide receiver Stefon Diggs around the program for another season, 31 other teams could try to pry him away.

Despite a strong first season working with C.J. Stroud, Diggs has a market. He’s a reliable No. 2 threat in the passing game and could provide upside for a young receiver room looking for a long-term top weapon.

Pro Football Focus recently listed the top potential destinations for some of the best receivers on the market. For Diggs, PFF has the four-time Pro Bowler leaving NRGB Stadium and heading north to the New England Patriots with first-year coach Mike Vrabel.

“New England announced Josh McDaniels will lead Mike Vrabel’s offense, returning to the team with which he authored one of the most productive offenses in the NFL,” PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote. “McDaniels’ system requires savvy and polished route runners who are comfortable in a variety of route concepts and alignments, something Diggs embodies.”

New England has several young options for former No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye entering 2025, but none have the experience Diggs provides. Before suffering a torn ACL in Week 8, the 31-year-old was well on his way to securing a seventh-straight 1,000-yard campaign while totaling over 100 catches.

The Patriots need a legitimate No. 1 threat to double this win total. Diggs would fit the bill on paper, but at this stage in his career, chasing a title seems more fitting than inking a long-term lucrative contract.

Houston, which is coming off an 11-8 finish with an AFC South division title, is closing to winning a Super Bowl than New England. Players inside the locker room also hope Diggs returns to the huddle next season to pick up where he left off.

“I hope that he’s back and my locker mate again,” Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon said. “When it comes down to it, I’m sure he’s gonna do what’s best for him and same with the team. But selfishly, I think that all of us are gonna welcome Stef back with open arms.”

In eight games, Diggs caught 47 passes for 496 yards and scored four total touchdowns.

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.

Will Texans QB C.J. Stroud appear at the Pro Bowl games?

It’s best not to assume that C.J. Stroud will be headed down to Orlando with the rest of the Houston Texans this week.

Houston Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud is getting ready for 2025.

He’s leaving everything, including a trip to Orlando, in 2024.

Stroud, who guided Houston to its second AFC South division title in as many seasons, will not participate in the Pro Bowl games with five other Texans players later this week. According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, he was invited as an alternate but declined.

Stroud wants to be the reason why Houston competes for a Super Bowl title in 2025. While the offense should look different following the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, he too must improve on his numbers.

Even with insufficient play designs under Slowik, Stroud struggled to regain his Offensive Rookie of the Year confidence. After becoming the fifth rookie in league history to throw for over 4,000 yards, Stroud regressed, tossing 20 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions for 3,727 yards.

The two-time Heisman finalist also completed a career-low 63.2% of his threw for 7.0 yards per attempt and posted an 87.0 passer rating.

During his end-of-the-year presser, Stroud said he would look back on the campaign and “self-scout” what needs to be corrected internally to help Houston get over the 10-win hump in 2025.

He also said he plans to relax for a bit to get his mind in the right space before attacking the offseason.

“It’s not a crime to take care of yourself and I’ll probably do that a little bit like take a week off or something and then hit it hard and get my body right,” Stroud said. “I don’t think it’s a secret anymore that I can run a little bit, so I have to get my body right to make sure I can take some of those hits and be ready for next year.”

Wide receiver Nico Collins, running back Joe Mixon, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, defensive end Danielle Hunter and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will represent Houston during the Pro Bowl game this week at Camping World Stadium.

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.

Texans’ 2025 opponents revealed: Who will Houston play next season?

Here’s who’s on the Houston Texans’ schedule for 2025 after another 10-win season.

With the season reaching its end on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium, the Houston Texans’ focus is built on bettering its roster for the 2025 campaign.

If all goes according to plan, the Texans will look to punch their ticket to a Super Bowl and a date at Levi Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026.

Houston (11-8) knows its path back to the postseason and a third consecutive AFC South division title next fall. Unlike last year, there will be several usual suspects making a trip down to NRG Stadium next fall.

In addition to the six games in the AFC South, Houston will also play the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens again as conference champions.

Houston went 1-2 against the top three seeds, defeating the Bills in Week 5 while dropping back-to-back games on a short week to the Cheifs and Ravens.

Instead of facing off against the NFC North and AFC East, the Texans are paired with the NFC West and AFC West in the league’s rotation.

Houston will host Arizona, Denver, Las Vegas and San Francisco. They’ll travel to SoFi Stadium twice for matchups against the Chargers and Rams, while also returning to Arrowhead for the third time in five years.

To close out the schedule, the Texans will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing their home total to nine games next season.

The Buccaneers also finished with a 10-7 record after clinching the NFC South.

This past season, Houston traveled to Arlington for a “Monday Night Football” bout with the Dallas Cowboys as the crosstown AFC-NFC matchup.

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Texans QB C.J. Stroud is rooting for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders

The Texans’ star is pulling for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is the talk of the NFL. The Commanders are one of four teams remaining in the playoffs and meet the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday with a chance to go to their first Super Bowl since 1991.

Daniels has done historic things all season, but he’s been even better in the playoffs and on the road. Some NFL analysts say he’s playing better than any quarterback in the league.

Someone who knows Daniels well thinks he’s having the best rookie season ever.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud met with the media Monday and was asked about Daniels.

“Man, whew, that boy’s going crazy,” Stroud said. “I’m so happy for that dude. Not only just for him, like the motivation he’s given to (people) back home, where we come from, dude you have no idea………..it’s given kids back home hope that they can do it too.”

Stroud and Daniels have known one another for years, dating back to their childhoods in Southern California. They’ve remained close friends and talk frequently. Stroud is someone who would know about having a record-breaking rookie season. In 2024, some were calling Stroud’s rookie year the best ever.

Stroud said Daniels has been even better.

“I’m super-proud of him, and he had like, in my opinion, the best rookie year of all time,” Stroud said of Daniels.

Stroud then praised Daniels, the person, and what he’s overcome to arrive at this point in his career.

“I’m very, very, very, very happy for him and very proud of him,” Stroud said. “I don’t root for many other teams, but I’m rooting for my boy, I’m rooting for the Commanders.”

It’s refreshing to see young quarterbacks cheer one another in such a competitive landscape. Daniels has made it clear he’s rooting for his rookie class and is close with others, such as Stroud and Bryce Young.

On Sunday, several of Daniels’ peers will likely root for him and the Commanders against the Eagles in the NFC championship.

C.J. Stroud pulling for Washington QB Jayden Daniels after ‘best rookie season of all-time’

C.J. Stroud is pulling for the young gun for the rest of the postseason after a breakout year in Washington.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud set records during his rookie season en route to reviving a bottom-dwelling franchise toward the divisional round.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels did even more a season later.

“I’m so proud of him. In my opinion, he’s had the best rookie year of all-time,” Stroud said of Daniels on Monday following Houston’s exit from the divisional round.

Daniels, who’s one game away from being the first rookie in league history to play in the Super Bowl, has been on a tear this postseason. After guiding Washington to a 12-5 record, Daniels has thrown for 567 yards and four touchdowns and has yet to have a turnover.

On the biggest stage, Daniels responded to being on the biggest stage of his career by going 22-of-31 with 299 yards and two touchdowns in Detroit. In two postseason games, he has a passer rating of 122.9.

Stroud, who hails from Rancho Cucamonga, praised the San Bernardino native for his ability to represent the state of California for the next crop of young talent.

“I’m so happy for that dude, not only just for him. The motivation that he’s giving, back home where we come from, you have no idea,” Stroud said.

“It’s giving kids back home hope that they can do it, too.”

When asked who he’s pulling for in the conference championship, Stroud didn’t hesitate to show a bit of Cali bias.

“I don’t root for many other teams, but I’m rooting for my boy,” Stroud said. “I’m rooting for the Commanders.”

The second-year quarterback finished the season with a 63.2 completion percentage for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions while posting an 87.0 passer rating.

WATCH: Texans RB Joe Mixon gives spark vs. Chiefs with TD run

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon paid off a 10-minute scoring drive with a 13-yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What a way to start the second half.

The Houston Texans burned 10 minutes and 24 seconds off the game clock with running back Joe Mixon from 13 yards away on the 15th play of the drive.

On the ensuing extra point, Kai’imi Fairbairn missed wide right for the second time today, making it a one-point game.

Houston has suddenly found its ground game. The Texans are averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Houston has run the ball 27 times for 146 yards. Mixon has 17 carries for 84 yards.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud has also run the ball more often in the postseason. He’s scrambling at a career-high rate and has 43 rushing yards against Kansas City.

Houston has 100 more yards of offense than Kansas City through two and a half quarters.

Mixon’s touchdown is his fourth career playoff score. He has scored in each of the Texans’ postseason games this season. Mixon scored only two touchdowns in seven games with the Cincinnati Bengals.

With a win, the Texans would advance to its first-ever conference championship in franchise history.