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 up, let’s talk about Chip Kelly
Background
Current position: Ohio State offensive coordinator
Previous coaching experience: UCLA head coach (2018-2023), Oregon head coach (2009-2012), Oregon offensive coordinator (2007-08)
NFL experience: Philadelphia Eagles head coach (2013-15), San Francisco 49ers head coach (2016).
Pros
Kelly is the hottest name on the market and is expected to draw interest from multiple teams. Tampa Bay just lost Liam Coen to the Jacksonville Jaguars and should be all over the Buckeyes’ play-caller.
Most in Columbus believe that if Kelly was offered an NFL job tomorrow he’d take it. He also doesn’t seem inclined to become a head coach at the college level again, so there’s a strong chance his loyalty remains with the program until an NFL team comes knocking.
There’s proof of concept with Kelly’s system. The Buckeyes are coming off a national championship in Kelly’s first season and dominated each opponent en route to Atlanta.
Last season in the booth, Kelly’s offense ranked 12th in scoring (37.5 points per game), 28th in total yards (429.4 yards per game) and 31st out of 134 teams in red-zone scoring (88.7%).
There’s also connections to head coach DeMeco Ryans. During his final years, Kelly coached Ryans in Philadelphia, naming him a team captain for 2014 and 2015.
During his opening press conference in 2023, Ryans mentioned Kelly as a mentor and a reason why he wanted to get into coaching.
“He was a master motivator, but he was always an innovator,” Ryans said. “Chip Kelly, he was always on the cutting edge. Always looking for ways to get better with sports science, technology.”
Cons
Kelly might not want to leave Columbus. Much like Ryans, he was a mentor to current Buckeyes coach Ryan Day when the two worked in New Hampshire.
When Kelly wanted to leave Los Angeles, Day didn’t hesitate to bring him onto the staff. A year later, Ohio State won its first title since 2014.
There’s some comfort in staying in Columbus. The Buckeyes should remain a favorite to win the national title next season with the return of wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremah Smith.
Kelly also could factor into the success of former No. 1 overall QB recruit Julian Sayin, who’s expected to win the starting job in place of Will Howard. Sayin has all the tools to become one of the nation’s top passers while competing for a Heisman Trophy.
Another job available might also entice Kelly over Houston. Pete Carroll recently was hired by Las Vegas. Despite their brief rivalry in the Pac-10, the 73-year-old needs a play-caller.
Caroll turns 74 this season. How long do you think he’ll coach before eventually calling it a career? Kelly could be groomed under his watch to eventually take over as early as 2026.
Tampa also could be promising since Kelly’s system best fits a player like Baker Mayfield. The mobility of the former No. 1 overall pick adds a second layer to the play-calling that only enhances the offense.
Last season, Mayfield threw a career-high 41 touchdown passes and rushed for 378 yards while tacking on three more scores.
Much like Las Vegas, Tampa could eventually promote Kelly to head coach should Todd Bowles retire in the coming seasons. Ryans isn’t going anywhere after totaling 22 wins in his first two seasons.
Final Verdict
If the Texans can lure Kelly away from college, they should. He’s an offensive innovator who understands his resources and builds a system based on strengths.
Stroud would benefit from an offense that relies on an up-tempo approach while prioritizing the run game. Collins and potentially Stefon Diggs would feast in the passing game because of the concepts.
But something seems off. While Kelly could make a run back to the pros, something feels like Tampa is calling. Working with Mayfield might seem like a better overall fit for his offense to take another step forward.
Right now, Houston and Tampa feel like the favorites to land him. Even Jacksonville could make a run for Kelly since Coen’s offense basically stems from the same baseline as the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator.
It’s hard to imagine Kelly not leaving Columbus, but if betting on Kelly or the field to arrive at NRG Stadium next season, lean toward the field.
Even if working with Stroud is enticing.
Chances of hiring: 25%
