The Houston Texans won a playoff game for the second year in a row since the arrival of quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, that did not stop the Texans from making changes to the coaching staff.
On Friday, Jan. 24, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Texans are moving on from offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. While the Texans won a playoff game this year, they regressed from their 2023 form (Offense+ grade: 70.2, 2023; 64.7, 2024) and expect to grow into a Super Bowl contender in the coming years. Notably, the offense was an issue for Houston this season.
NFL Fans React to Houston Texans Firing Bobby Slowik
It was reported that the Texans were letting go of Slowik as well as offensive line coach Chris Strausser. This news came as a surprise as the young Texans team has been largely successful since Stroud was drafted in 2023. However, a down season in 2024 compared to 2023 was enough for management to make a change. Fans reacted to this news on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Things can change so quickly,” one fan wrote.
Things can change so quickly
— Dave Heilman NFL (@DynastyDorks) January 24, 2025
“Crazy, that’s what happens when you get a defensive minded HC, if the OC succeeds he’s gone, if he doesn’t, then you fire him, but the HC escapes culpability,” one fan commented.
“Offense can’t run properly bcus the offensive line is atrocious. Texans: ‘Yep, it’s Slowik,'” one fan added.
Offense can’t run properly bcus the offensive line is atrocious.
Texans:
“Yep, it’s Slowik”
— Jared Cowher (@CowherJared) January 24, 2025
Fans continued to express their surprise at the firing. One even pointed out that it did not make sense for him to be blamed for the down offensive year because of the depleted wide receiver and tight end rooms this season. Nico Collins missed the middle third of the season, Stefon Diggs went down for the year midseason, and Tank Dell had a late-season injury that kept him out of the postseason.
“Imagine getting fired because you couldn’t get more out of a depleted WR and TE room!!,” one fan wrote.
Imagine getting fired because you couldn’t get more out of a depleted WR and TE room!! pic.twitter.com/SoMMHeAjeH
— Dennis M Roy (@roydawg_13) January 24, 2025
“Teams will do anything but admit their QB regressed and maybe isn’t as good as they thought,” one fan commented.
“I’m actually really surprised by this. He was one of the biggest HC candidates last year,” one fan added.
I'm actually really surprised by this. He was one of the biggest HC candidates last year.
— Blaine (@TheBlaineConley) January 24, 2025
In Stroud’s rookie season in 2023, Houston had an immediately improved offense. The Texans averaged 342.4 yards per game, ranking 12th in the NFL. However, this past season, the Texans regressed to 319.7 yards per game, 22nd in the NFL.
While the regression is significant, it is hard to say whether the fault lies at the feet of Slowik. Stroud performed worse than in 2023, and the team had significant injuries in its wide receiver and tight end rooms.
