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.
Bobby Slowik on being a candidate for head coach spots. I liked his answer. #Texans pic.twitter.com/3e7HoqUBk6
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) January 10, 2024
