Tag: head coaching vacancy

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik focused on playoffs, not head coaching jobs

The Commanders want to interview Slowik for their head coaching vacancy.

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik emerged as one of the hottest head-coaching candidates for 2024 after his outstanding work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, had an outstanding season, passing for over 4,000 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. But most importantly, Stroud led an amazing turnaround for the Texans, who went from last to first place. Houston won the AFC South in Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans’ first year.

Stroud’s success, of course, shined a spotlight on Slowik. The 36-year-old is in his first season as an NFL offensive coordinator, following Ryans from San Francisco, where he served as Kyle Shanahan’s passing game coordinator in 2022.

With the NFL season over for 18 teams, the offseason has begun. That means coaching changes. And thus far, seven teams are looking for a new head coach — a number that could still grow. So, it was no surprise that other teams have requested permission to interview Slowik. The Washington Commanders are one of those teams.

Slowik began his NFL career in 2011 as a defensive assistant under Mike Shanahan, where he spent three seasons. After three years out of coaching, Slowik returned to the NFL with the 49ers in 2017, where he was promoted multiple times over his six years there.

As the Texans prepare for Saturday’s AFC wild-card game against the Cleveland Browns, Slowik was asked about receiving interest from teams with head coaching vacancies.

“It’s really easy to handle right now; we’re locked in on Cleveland,” Slowik said. “All that stuff, I’m very grateful, you know, I’m thankful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity. I’m thankful to Nick (Caserio) and DeMeco (Ryans) and the Texans organization for putting me in this position. But right now, I’m a Houston Texan. I’m part of this organization, and I’m going to do everything I can to help us in Cleveland. Everyone’s energy right now in this organization is devoted to how do we play one more game? How do we keep just playing one more game? We really have what I believe is a special group of individuals. I know, offensively, there’s guys in that room that I just can’t imagine having to do this without right now. As much as we can, just find a way to get four more games out of this. That’s really what all of us are devoted to.”

That’s a strong answer from Slowik. He’s laser-focused on the Cleveland Browns.

As of now, the Panthers are the other team that has formally requested permission to interview Slowik, with the Titans a possibility, too.

If the Texans lose on Saturday, Washington — or anyone else — could hire Slowik next week.

 

Commanders ranked at the top of 2024 HC vacancies

Another vote saying Washington’s head coaching vacancy is the top available.

How would you rank the six NFL 2024 head coaching vacancies?

Well, Commanders fans are going to like how CBS Sports Will Brinson evaluated the six openings.

Brinson concluded that the Commanders are actually the best opening in the NFL right now for aspiring head coaches. After the ownership of Daniel Snyder (1999-2022 seasons) repeatedly discouraged coaches, players and fans, there is a new sheriff in town now who has a unique opportunity to improve a bottom-tier franchise and instantly become a fan favorite.

Here is how Brinson sees the Washington job as the top spot for those pursuing NFL head coaching jobs.

For nearly 25 years, Dan Snyder made the Washington job a disastrous one. He would attract big-name candidates, because coaching in Washington was a BIG DEAL. This was one of the biggest franchises in the NFL for several decades and Snyder made it almost untouchable. Enter Josh Harris, who has done a great job simply by doing the opposite of Dan Snyder. To wit: Harris didn’t fire Ron Rivera during his first season as owner and handled the entire situation with aplomb. Then he nabs Bob Myers and Rick Spielman to become part of his search committee and there’s hope again in Washington. Things can change (David Tepper seemed like a good owner early) but for now the Commanders top this list because there’s a new, seemingly patient owner in charge and a clear commitment to win while upending the poisonous culture that’s pervaded the beltway for years.

Washington has the No. 2 overall pick, which doesn’t hurt either. (Maybe they can draft Drake Maye, pair him with Sam Howell, hire Mack Brown and guarantee themselves eight wins a year just like the Tar Heels!) Trading away Chase Young and Montez Sweat mid-season isn’t great, but it boosts the draft capital for the incoming coaching staff and by avoiding handing out contracts to former first-round picks, and clears up plenty of salary-cap space.

There’s an opportunity to land a franchise quarterback here, with potentially strong ownership, a fantastic fan base dying for quality football and a new stadium potentially on deck. The Washington job is back to being wildly attractive.

Brinson then ranks the head coaching vacancies as follows: Chargers, Falcons, Raiders, Titans, Panthers.

If you would like to read the other explanations of Brinson’s rankings, here is the link.