Tag: Jeff Nixon

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.

Former Husker transfers to Syracuse

Will Nixon will play for his father, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, next season. 

A former Nebraska running back/wide receiver announced that he will be transferring to Syracuse next season. Will Nixon will play for his father, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, next season.

Nixon played for Nebraska for the 2020 and 2021 seasons as a wide receiver. He did not play in 2020 due to a season-ending injury. For the 2021 season, he appeared in three games and caught one pass for five yards.

He would then transfer to Washington for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where he would play running back. Last season he recorded 33 carries for 201 yards and one touchdown.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.

Mike Kafka focused on Giants, not other job opportunities

Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka says he’s solely focused on the New York Giants and not the other job opportunities that may await him.

Last offseason, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was a hot commodity. Several teams lined up to interview him for their vacant head coaching positions, while a few college teams also expressed interest.

Despite a poor offensive campaign here in 2023, Kafka is again expected to receive interest from some college teams over the next few months.

While Kafka may be open to listening to those pitches when the time comes, he’s not thinking about them right now. Rather, he’s focused on the 4-8 Giants and how he can help improve their offense over the final five games.

“That was something that wasn’t on my landscape at the time right now,” Kafka said of the Northwestern job. “Right now, this is what I’m focused on, being here and enjoying the process with the players and the coaches and going through this journey.”

Kafka may be solely focused on the Giants but some of the team’s assistants are also drawing interest from college programs. Running backs Jeff Nixon is among those as he’s being considered for the offensive coordinator job at Syracuse.

“Whichever decision Nix makes, I fully support on the route he wants to go, and I’d be happy for him,” Kafka said. “I think as far as the staffing and stuff, you’d have to ask Dabs about that.”

Whether recent reports about conflict among the Giants’ coaching staff are true or not, the team appears destined for some major turnover in the near future. All three coordinators are reportedly on their way out — something Wink Martindale disputes — and there will be change at the lower levels as well.

Both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll appear to be safe but Giants fans should brace for a busy offseason.

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Syracuse targeting Giants’ Jeff Nixon as next offensive coordinator

Syracuse is reportedly targeting New York Giants running backs coach Jeff Nixon as their next offensive coordinator.

Just when you thought the New York Giants coaching staff became toxic and unhireable out in the football world, comes the news that running backs coach Jeff Nixon is on the radar up in Syracuse.

Pete Thamel of ESPN reports that the Orange will look to hire Nixon as their new offensive coordinator this offseason (or possibly before).

Nixon is in his first year with Big Blue and has been coaching in the collegiate and pro ranks for the past 26 years, predominantly as a running back coach.

Nixon came to the Giants this past offseason after three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, in which he served as the interim offensive coordinator and assistant offensive head coach.

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Giants’ Thomas McGaughey, Jeff Nixon will attend NFL Coach Accelerator Program

The New York Giants are sending special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and RB coach Jeff Nixon to the NFL Coach Accelerator Program.

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The NFL will hold its second NFL Coach Accelerator Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota from May 21 through May 23. And, once again, there will be a distinct New York Giants feel to the whole thing.

Among those in attendance will be Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and running backs coach Jeff Nixon, both of whom also attended in 2022.

Former Giants secondary coach Dave Merritt will also be on hand during the three-day event.

“In the year since its inception, we’ve been encouraged by the positive response to the Accelerator from both club owners and participants,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We look forward to continuing to build on an incredible program that supports diverse talent.”

From the NFL:

The Coach Accelerator aims to increase exposure between owners, executives, and diverse coaching talent, providing ample opportunity to develop and build upon their relationships. In a change to the nomination process this year, clubs were able to nominate those from outside of their organization.

In addition to networking, further development of the participants is a critical component of the accelerator, with curated content sessions scheduled that will further engage each participant on the advancement of their executive leadership skills and business acumen.

Those in attendance are believed to have “high potential to be considered for a head coach position in the future.”

For the Giants, that would mean all three of their coordinators could draw head coaching interest next year.

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Giants hire Stephen Thomas, announce other coaching changes

The New York Giants hire Stephen Thomas as their assistant special teams coach and announce several other coaching changes.

The New York Giants have hired Stephen Thomas to serve as an assistant special teams coach.

Thomas will work under assistant special teams coordinator Anthony Blevins and special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey.

Thomas had spent the previous four seasons with the Detroit Lions as their defensive quality control coach. Prior to that, he served as inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Princeton University for six seasons.

In the middle of his span with Princeton, Thomas spent one season (2015) as an assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. He had also previously interned with the Buffalo Bills and coached at SUNY Cortland.

In addition to Thomas, the Giants also officially announced the hires of running backs coach Jeff Nixon, assistant offensive line coach Chris Smith, and offensive assistant Christian Daboll.

Meanwhile, the team revealed a few title changes and promotions.

Michael Treier, who was the assistant defensive backs coach last season, is now the safeties coach. Christian Jones is the new assistant quarterbacks coach after serving as an offensive assistant in 2022. And, finally, Angela Baker has been promoted from offensive quality control coach to offensive assistant.

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Giants to hire Jeff Nixon as running backs coach

The New York Giants are expected to hire Jeff Nixon, previously of the Carolina Panthers, as their next running backs coach.

The New York Giants lost running backs coach DeAndre Smith to the Indianapolis Colts last week but it didn’t take them long to find a replacement.

Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Giants are expected to hire Jeff Nixon as their next running backs coach.

Nixon did an impressive job a season ago after the Carolina Panthers traded away Christian McCaffrey. He guided D’Onta Foreman to a breakout season and also helped raise the game of backup Chuba Hubbard.

The 48-year-old Nixon is also no stranger to Giants head coach Brian Daboll. Back in 2011, when Daboll was serving as offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins, he hired Nixon to be his running backs coach.

In addition to his stints with the Panthers and Dolphins, Nixon has also held staff roles for the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as a multitude of college programs.

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Report: Former Panthers assistant coach Jeff Nixon hired by Giants

Jeff Nixon—former Panthers RB coach, interim OC and assistant HC—is headed to the New York Giants.

Another former Carolina Panthers assistant has found a new home.

According to numerous reports from Thursday evening, Jeff Nixon is set to join the New York Giants as their running backs coach. Nixon assumed a number of roles for the Panthers over the past three seasons.

The Penn State grad was brought along by Matt Rhule in 2020, after serving as the co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach for Baylor University from 2017 to 2019. He began, of course, as a running backs coach in Carolina.

Nixon had a bit more added to his plate midway through the 2021 campaign, after offensive coordinator Joe Brady was dismissed during the team’s Week 13 bye. Rhule then appointed Nixon to interim offensive coordinator duties to finish out the season.

In 2022, he added another job to his résumé—as the assistant head coach—while still contributing to the offense.

The 48-year-old, before ultimately landing in New York, also interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys for their offensive coordinator position a few weeks ago.

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Report: Cowboys to interview Panthers RB coach for OC opening

Former Baylor assistant Jeff Nixon has play-calling experience and past history with staffs in Philadelphia, Miami, and San Francisco. | From @ToddBrock24f7

The Panthers were interested in Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for their head coaching job. Now that Moore is bound for Los Angeles instead, the Cowboys may be looking at a Carolina staffer to fill Moore’s old spot.

Dallas will interview Panthers assistant head coach and running backs coach Jeff Nixon for their OC vacancy, as reported Tuesday morning by Joe Person of The Athletic.

Nixon’s name may be familiar to some Cowboys fans after his time spent at Baylor. The Bears’ co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach under head coach Matt Rhule, Nixon produced top-20 offenses in two of his three years in Waco.

Rhule brought Nixon with him to Charlotte in 2020 when he took the team’s head coaching position.

After the Panthers fired offensive coordinator Joe Brady during the 2021 season, it was Nixon who took over play-calling duties for the team’s final five games. With the added title of assistant head coach, Nixon returned to coaching running backs this past year; he survived losing superstar Christian McCaffrey in a midseason trade yet still guided the Panthers backfield to a top-10 finish in rushing yards.

Nixon has plenty of NFL experience, having also served on the offensive staffs of Philadelphia, Miami, and San Francisco from 2007 to 2016.

He is reportedly set to meet with Dallas on Wednesday.

While it is believed that Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will call offensive plays in Dallas next season, the team still needs to fill its OC role and may elect to do so with someone who can grow into a full-time play-calling capacity while also fulfilling other roles.

Nixon’s experience as both a running backs coach and assistant head coach might help him check several boxes the Cowboys currently have open; the team parted ways with RB coach Skip Peete and assistant HC Rob Davis last week.

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