In a decision that reverberated through the fanbase and the wider NFL community, the Houston Texans have parted ways with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik following two seasons marred by offensive inefficiencies. Alongside Slowik, the Texans have also dismissed both offensive line coach Chris Strausser and assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich. As the team embarks on a search for a new offensive coordinator, it is evident that the organization is keen on reinvigorating an offense that has, for too long, failed to meet expectations.
Despite clinching the AFC South title with a respectable 10-7 record in the 2024 season and progressing to the divisional round for the second consecutive year, the Texans’ offensive unit consistently underperformed. Coach DeMeco Ryans, who made the decision to evaluate his coaching staff thoroughly post-season, appeared hesitant to commend Slowik’s contributions, stating, “I saw some growth,” while leaving the door open for improvement. The reality is that the statistics tell a far less forgiving story.
Analyzing the data from the 2024 season reveals that the Texans’ offense was far from formidable. Ranking 18th in scoring with an average of 22.1 points per game and 16th in total offense at 329 yards per game hardly speaks to a high-caliber unit. Most concerning, however, was the dysfunction in pass protection—a glaring issue that led quarterback C.J. Stroud to endure an alarming 52 sacks, placing the Texans second in the league for quarterback hits. Moreover, Stroud often faced pressure on nearly 40% of his dropbacks, indicating an offensive scheme struggling to cope with defensive complexities, particularly regarding twists and stunts that opponents capitalized on.
The lack of protection contributed significantly to Stroud’s statistical dip compared to his promising rookie season, where he had thrown for over 4,100 yards and boasted an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio. This regression raises questions about the effectiveness of Slowik’s offensive strategy and the ability to adapt to in-game circumstances.
The Second-Half Drought
One of the more troubling trends was the team’s performance in the second halves of games. Averaging only 7.5 points after halftime placed the Texans at the bottom of the league, signaling a fundamental failure in both play-calling and execution. The period between Week 7 and Week 12 marked a particularly alarming stretch, where the Texans failed to score an offensive touchdown, a situation that necessitated thorough introspection from the coaching staff.
Despite high-profile acquisitions in the offseason, including Pro Bowl talents like Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon, the offense never seemed to find its rhythm. Even the impressive individual statistics from Mixon, who rushed for over 1,000 yards, could not mask the overarching lack of cohesion in the offensive unit during crucial moments, such as third downs (where they ranked 17th) and red zone scenarios (where they ranked a dismal 28th).
In the wake of Slowik’s dismissal, the Texans have an opportunity to redefine their offensive identity as they seek a new coordinator who can harness the talent on the roster. Stroud, Mixon, and a roster equipped with new talent have the potential to create a dynamic offense, provided they receive the right guidance. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that the next phase under Ryans’ leadership will foster creativity, adaptation, and a more aggressive approach to the game, particularly in pivotal moments where the Texans had faltered.
With Ryans himself recognizing the numerous challenges faced last season, it’s clear that transformation is on the horizon. The Texans must now take decisive steps to recalibrate their offensive strategies and, importantly, ensure their young quarterback is protected and empowered to lead the franchise into a brighter future. The path forward will require careful planning, a strategic re-evaluation of staff, and a commitment to the relentless pursuit of improvement.