Tag: Jerrod Johnson

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.

NFL insider reveals what Texans are looking for in their next OC

There’s one key factor that must be addressed with the new offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans this offseason.

What are the Houston Texans looking for in their next offensive coordinator?

Previous play-calling experience?

An identity in the passing attack?

Consistency in setting up protection?

While all are areas that must be corrected by the new man taking over for Bobby Slowik, NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo said there’s one defining trait that must stand out with the next play-caller.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud’s relationship will be the selling point.

“Look for this offensive coordinator search to be about a pair with C.J. Stroud and a way to make Stroud comfortable,” Garafalo said.

Stroud is the foundation of the Texans moving into 2025. After a breakout rookie season, a sophomore slump ensued that resulted in people pondering on the two-time Heisman finalist’s potential entering Year 3.

As a rookie, Stroud led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception and became the fifth first-year player to total 4,000 passing yards. A year later, he tossed three fewer touchdowns, seven more interceptions and finished outside the top 10 in passing yards.

Garafalo confirmed that quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson would be a candidate for the opening, especially given his relationship with Stroud. The two first met when Stroud was in high school at the Elite 11 camp.

Both have grown since his day at Rancho Cucamonga High School. If he impresses, Johnson could be named OC as soon as this week.

He won’t be the only one up for the highly-touted job. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans knows that after making it to the divisional round back-to-back seasons, someone has to elevate the roster to compete for a conference title.

While Johnson is the favorite internal candidate, other names on watch for include Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nick Caley, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.

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.

Another former Texas A&M QB could be getting an NFL promotion

Former Texas A&M QB Jerrod Johnson was named as a possible candidate to join Aaron Glenn on New York Jets staff

The offseason is here for a majority of NFL teams and the first order of business is staff management. That means another former Texas A&M player could be in line for a new coaching job in the near future.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell lost both his coordinators to head coaching jobs with Ben Johnson going to the Chicago Bears and fellow Aggie Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets. Glenn had plenty of options and was praised for how they managed to keep his injury-ridden defense afloat for as long as he did.

Now, with him being at the helm of the ship in New York is his turn to assemble a staff with will be worth being pouched in a few years. One of the early names for OC that’s been floated on the internet is Houston Texans quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson a former A&M QB under Mike Sherman.

Johnson has been a pivotal part of CJ Stroud’s speed quickly to the NFL game making him one of the best young players in the league. While it’s all just rumors right night this could be a solid move for Glenn to snag an up-and-coming coach in the National Football League.

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Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson is on Aaron Glenn’s radar as potential Jets offensive coordinator

Houston Texans quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson could be on the move this offseason to the Big Apple.

Former Houston Texans Pro Bowl cornerback Aaron Glenn received a promotion Wednesday afternoon when he was named the New York Jets’ next head coach.

Now, he could be taking a Texan to the Big Apple to run his offense for the 2025 season.

According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, Texans quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson is one of three favorites to land the Jets offensive coordinator position this offseason. Rams tight ends coach and pass game coordinator Nick Caley and Las Vegas Raiders Scott Turner have reportedly already spoken to Glenn and seem like favorites to get the job.

Minnesota Vikings QBs coach Josh McCown is also expected to receive consideration and has ties to the organization, which could bode well in his favorite.

Johnson just completed his second season with the Texans and is considered a rising star in the industry. Last season, several teams reached out to him to interview for offensive coordinator openings, including the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A former Texas A&M standout quarterback, Johnson chose to remain in Houston and work with Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. While the former No. 2 overall pick took a step back, he still led the Texans back to the playoffs and impressed in the postseason.

It’s unclear if offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik will be back with the Texans in 2025, but many believe Johnson would be the top internal candidate to replace the play-caller next fall.

Johnson’s relationship with Stroud has factored into the young gunslinger’s success over the past two seasons, so losing him would be detrimental to his growth.

Opinion: It’s time for Texans to wave goodbye to OC Bobby Slowik

Should the Houston Texans consider pivoting from OC Bobby Slowik to QB coach Jerrod Johnson as play caller as their offense sputters?

Change might be needed in Houston.

One year after Bobby Slowik was anointed as the next great offensive coordinator and rising head coaching candidate, the Houston Texans’ second-year play-caller stands firmly in the crossfire.

Tensions have been building among fans for weeks, but it erupted to a point of no return following Sunday’s meltdown against the Detroit Lions. Houston failed to score in the second half, squandering a 23-7 lead in an eventual 26-23 loss.

In was expected to be a juggernaut, Houston’s offense looks like one of the league’s most disappointing units.

Following Sunday, the Texans rank 16th in EPA per pass at -0.04 and 23rd in passing efficiency at 41.1% despite being headlined by 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

They rank 28th in EPA per carry at -0.31 and 31st in rushing success rate at a measly 34.2% despite the surge of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon as the leading rusher.

Stroud’s sophomore season is approaching ‘slump’ territory under Slowik’s watch. The Ohio State product has regressed in completion percentage, passer rating, EPA per drop back and success rating.

Not only has Stroud struggled, he’s been sacked 34 times this season, only four fewer than reigning No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

The offensive line has factored into the failure — including regression from highly-paid members such as Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason —but Slowik sits core responsible for the unit he is in charge of coaching and coordinating on game day.

There’s no doubt that Slowik had a phenomenal debut in 2023. The former San Francisco 49ers assistant brought the core principles of the Kyle Shanahan scheme alongside detail-oriented, focused gameplans built around protecting and insulating his rookie quarterback.

The team flourished with game plans built around low-efficiency runs and max protection passes with long-developing route concepts. Texans Wire even named Slowik one of the 15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023.

Houston was able to find both explosive gains and play to the strength of their gritty defense as needed in 2023 with this formula. Stroud had firm guardrails to perform within and, combined with his talent, the team saw immediate explosive output and it was a huge part of their success last season.

It’s a factor as to why the Texans swung big in trades to land Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Mixon to accelerate an offense that already had the proverbial ‘engine’ needed for greatness.

Slowik’s second act in 2024 was expected to be one of evolution. Initially, the concept was built for a budding franchise star to facilitate as a point guard-esque distributor for a stacked supporting cast.

Instead, everything has sputtered.

Houston’s offense hasn’t evolved beyond the primary tenants many expected from San Francisco. What’s even worse is that it hasn’t established any unique identity of its own despite these unique talents available on offense.

The Texans remain a run-first offense that’s willing to accept an inefficient running game and, in that inefficiency, have become rather dependent on heroics from Stroud to bail them out.

These conservative tendencies have played a factor in the persona that is Houston’s happy being in games with top competitors rather than one that expects to win.

Confusing finishes against the Green Bay Packers and even electing for a long field goal against Detroit highlights a game plan built like a franchise without a premier quarterback.

What happens when a team is unable to pivot away from their structural inefficiencies?

What occurs when it’s unable to highlight its unique offensive talents or retain a large portion of its former identity?

Unfortunately, regression.

A year of film study has allowed teams to target their game plans toward Slowik’s tendencies and how Houston wants to win games. Whether that is predicting early-down runs or exploiting bad protection rules across a weak offensive line, teams have had far more success against the Texans offense and Stroud in 2024.

Slowik’s inability to evolve any of these components against the better-prepared competition is even further testimony to a unit that is struggling to adapt.

The Texans now feature an offense unable to structurally sound off on any singular thing worth merit. Their running game is inefficient. They’re unable to protect Stroud. The passing game often finds themselves in grossly unfavorable positions.

All of this is seemingly fueled by an offensive coordinator who doesn’t appear to have a direction for what this offense’s second act should be.

That doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. The Texans should improve with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards when placed on injured reserve last month. He provides an easy answer in the quick game, explosive plays vertically and consistency on screens functions as an extension of the run.

Still, it won’t fix the core issue that Slowik’s offense has encountered at this juncture: A lack of identity with minimal schematic diversity.

It’s for that reason that it’s time for Houston to consider a change at the top of their offensive coaching staff.

Quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson interviewed with several NFL teams for their offensive coordinator openings before ultimately electing to return to Houston. Coveted around the league, it was assumed that Johnson preferred to take the mantle in Houston following the 2024 season once Slowik departed for a potential head coaching position.

Johnson, a former quarterback, has experience under Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. He’s also worked with Stroud since he was in high school and has served as his position coach in team meetings ever since he arrived in the building.

Coordinator changes are almost always driven by desperation. Unfair or not, Houston is in a desperate position now sitting at 6-4 with an apparent inability to compete with top contenders dwindling.

However, few teams have such a well-regarded and well-prepared candidate in-house.

In a season with Super Bowl aspirations, it’s time for the Texans to take their chances with their once-considered heir apparent at offensive coordinator. Johnson’s background and quarterback-centric approach could not only galvanize the locker room but stimulate more aggressive and more talent-friendly game plans for Houston’s offense.

Across the sidelines, Detroit once faced an uphill climb at offensive coordinator early in Dan Campbell’s tenure. He eventually elected to promote tight ends coach Ben Johnson as the new play-caller after the in-season demotion of offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn.

The rest has been history as Johnson remains the most sought-after candidate to take over a franchise for the second consecutive offseason.

It’s not ideal, but the Texans’ offense is approaching a point of desperation. Texans coach Demeco Ryans should consider whether he’s willing to endure another loss when his defense forces five interceptions.

The front office needs to consider if they’re willing to let an expensive 2024 offense go to waste on principal.

Sometimes, change is necessary. Fans soon will see if the Texans feel the same way.

Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson’s recalls his ‘it moment’ with C.J. Stroud

Texans QB Coach Jerrod Johnson was a guest on The Athletic’s “Playcallers” podcast discussing all things coaching and C.J. Stroud.

Jerrod Johnson’s playing career was ending, and the son of a former high school football coach was transitioning into the family business.

He was helping at the Elite 11 – a competition for the nation’s top high school quarterbacks—when he came across a 17-year-old, three-star recruit eager to learn and improve. 

The kid was C.J. Stroud.

Johnson, who enters his second season as Houston Texans quarterbacks coach, recalled the experience as a guest on The Athletic’s ‘Playcallers’ podcast. 

“Even at 17 when he came in, I don’t think he had much formal quarterback training (and) he wasn’t the highest-rated kid there for a week,” Johnson said. “But he just bought into our entire process. He stayed after, he asked questions, and he was just an eager 17-year-old who just wanted to get somewhere, wanted to chase his dreams, and he felt there was a lot of information there throughout that camp.”

Stroud went on to win MVP of the camp and soon after received a scholarship to Ohio State. Over his two seasons as the Buckeyes’ starter, he’d become one of the nation’s most prolific passers, leading to the Texans drafting him second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“To meet him again as a young man, I do think us having a respect for each other and the time we met when we both were younger kind of broke the ice for us,” Johnson said. “I think there was a trust level, a mutual respect for each other that allowed us to hit the ground running.”

Johnson likely doesn’t get the credit he deserves for prepping Stroud week-to-week en route to winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Stroud combined explosiveness with ball security, ranking second in yards per completion (12.9) and first in interception rate (1.0).

It is regarded as one of the best seasons by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, as Houston finished 10-7 to win the AFC South and its first playoff game in four years.

“I think that Tampa Bay game is one that is forever ingrained in my brain,” Johnson said. “That’s a true sign of character and a true sign of his skillset, and that was kind of the aha moment to where he’s a legitimate NFL quarterback that can take us places we’d like to go.”

Stroud engineered a six-play, 75-yard drive with under a minute on the clock, connecting with Tank Dell at the six-second mark for a 15-yard touchdown to lift Houston over the Buccaneers, 39-37.

The win moved Houston to 4-4 and kicked off a 6-3 finish to the year, pushing it into the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Perhaps influenced by the contest, Tampa Bay interviewed Johnson for its offensive coordinator role after Dave Canales accepted the Carolina Panthers head coaching job.

He also interviewed with the New Orleans Saints but elected to follow the same approach Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who received head coaching interviews, and to return to Houston.

They’ll get the chance to work with Stroud and an improved supporting cast, and with another season like the last, they could be elsewhere in an elevated role.

It’s the price to pay as a good football team, but one the Texans will pay willingly.

Saints Twitter melts down after Jerrod Johnson backs out of OC search

Saints Twitter reactions to Jerrod Johnson returning to the Texans were mixed, but confidence in the offensive coordinator search is waning

There weren’t many names in this year’s hiring cycle drawing more buzz than Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson. The 35-year-old interviewed with the New Orleans Saints and five other teams looking for a new offensive coordinator — including playoff teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns as well as the rebuilding New England Patriots.

Instead, Johnson elected to stay another year in Houston, where he received a raise and an extension, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He’ll continue working with young star quarterback C.J. Stroud under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik which should give him a great opportunity to improve his stock ahead of the 2025 hiring cycle. If Slowik is hired away next year then Johnson is a natural successor on DeMeco Ryans’ staff.

But that didn’t leave Saints fans feeling happy. Reactions were mixed (some were turned off by Johnson’s lack of experience) but confidence in the offensive coordinator search is waning. Dennis Allen can’t afford to get this hire wrong. Here’s what fans are saying in the aftermath of Johnson returning to Houston:

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.

Report: Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson returning to Houston after taking several OC interviews

According to NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport, Johnson informed teams on Monday that he has withdrawn his name from OC candidacy.

After interviewing for three respective offensive coordinator openings around the NFL, Texas A&M alumnus Jerrod Johnson is returning to coach quarterbacks for the Houston Texans.

According to NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport, Johnson informed teams on Monday evening that he has withdrawn his name from OC candidacy to “finish what he started” in H-Town. Johnson recently took two interviews with the New Orleans Saints and had one with each of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Before suiting up for six NFL teams during his playing career, Johnson made history in College Station. When he graduated, the Houston native held two Texas A&M program records with the most yards passing (8,011) and total offensive yards (8,888) all-time. Kellen Mond now holds both records and Johnson is third in total yards behind Mond and Johnny Manziel.

Johnson got his start in coaching with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 under the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. He served in the same position with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 before being elevated to an offensive quality control coach for the next two seasons. Johnson served as assistant quarterbacks coach on the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 before being hired by Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans prior to this season.

Given the success of Ohio State alumnus, rookie CJ Stroud, under the guidance of Johnson, the interviews for Johnson will likely continue to roll in for years to come.

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