Bobby Slowik’s time with the Houston Texans has come to an unexpected end. On January 24, 2025, the team made the decision to part ways with the offensive coordinator after two seasons. This move has shocked both the fans and NFL analysts, as Slowik’s journey with the team began with high hopes following his successful tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.
Slowik was hired by the Texans in 2023, bringing valuable experience from working under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. His first season with the team showed promise, with the offense making notable strides. The biggest highlight of 2023 was the emergence of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Under Slowik’s offensive scheme, Stroud managed to guide the Texans to an unexpected playoff berth, marking an exciting new era for the franchise.
Despite a season filled with growing pains, Stroud’s development as a signal-caller was the talk of the league, with many praising Slowik for his role in coaching the young quarterback. The Texans finished 13th in points per game and 12th in total yards that year, impressive feats considering the team’s rebuilding status.
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The Downfall of 2024
However, the excitement from the previous season didn’t carry over into 2024. The Texans’ offense took a dramatic step backward, ending the season ranked 19th in points per game and 22nd in total yards. Despite C.J. Stroud’s individual talents, the offensive line’s struggles became more evident. Stroud was sacked 52 times—one of the highest totals for any quarterback that season—which significantly impacted his performance.
Stroud’s numbers plummeted compared to 2023. His completion percentage dropped, and he threw more interceptions, totaling 12 on the season. The team’s inability to protect him and the lack of consistent offensive play-calling were key reasons for this decline. Slowik faced growing criticism for not being able to fix these issues and adapt the offense to mitigate Stroud’s struggles.
Coaching Shakeup
In addition to parting ways with Slowik, the Texans also dismissed offensive line coach Chris Strausser. These changes signal the organization’s recognition that a shift in coaching philosophy was necessary to address the glaring issues on offense. The Texans’ front office is clearly aiming to build a more cohesive unit around Stroud, one that will give the young quarterback the tools he needs to succeed in the years to come.
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Moving Forward
As the Texans enter the offseason, they face the challenge of finding a new offensive coordinator who can turn the tide. There are plenty of questions surrounding the future of C.J. Stroud, who still has tremendous potential, but will need the right coaching to fully unlock it.
This firing serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. Bobby Slowik, who once seemed poised to guide the Texans’ offense to new heights, will now have to rebuild his reputation elsewhere. The Texans, on the other hand, will need to carefully evaluate their options for the next offensive leader as they strive to make a successful leap forward in 2025.
In the fast-paced world of the NFL, changes like these are common, but they are never easy. For the Texans, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but with the right decisions, they could quickly regain momentum and position themselves as a playoff contender once again.
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