The Houston Texans’ offense might have taken a step back following C.J. Stroud’s record-setting rookie season.
That’s not stopping at least one team from meeting with the man behind the playbook for its head coach opening.
The New York Jets put in a request to interview offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik for their head coaching vacancy, according to multiple reports.
Fresh off a 5-12 finish, the Jets also have requested to interview Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Detriot Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Slowik’s focus for now is on helping the Texans advance past the wild-card round on Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Since Houston is in the playoffs, allowed to do a virtual interview with the Jets until three days after the wild-card game.
Russini: Jets request to interview Texans OC Bobby Slowik for HC vacancy.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) January 6, 2025
No in-person interviews can take place until after the conclusion of the divisional round. Even then, that’s only for coaches on teams who have been eliminated from the postseason.
Glenn, along with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who has drawn interest from other teams, can virtually interview during the week since their teams are on a bye.
Interviewing for openings isn’t new for Slowik. After helping Stroud win Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, he met with multiple teams for openings and was a finalist for both the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons openings.
But the job wasn’t done in Houston, thus leading to Slowik taking his name out of the running. A year later, the Texans return to the postseason, but the offense has regressed.
When Slowik was hired, his play design torqued up an offense that ranked 31st in total yards to 12th. Working with Stroud, Slowik helped the Ohio State gunslinger become the fifth rookie in leauge history to throw for 4,000 yards in their first season.
In 2024, the Texans finished 22nd in total yards and 20th in scoring. Stroud doubled his interception total and decreased his completion and passer rating.
The Jets own the No. 7 pick in the upcoming NFL draft and feature several key offensive weapons, including running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
The Patriots, Bears, Jaguars, Saints and maybe Titans and Raiders could be looking for a new head coach, so Slowik’s run toward a new job might not be over after his meeting with Gang Green.
