The Houston Texans fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik within a week after the Divisional Round loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Slowik received a lot of criticism for his tactics throughout the 2024 season, especially the Week 16 loss against the Chiefs.
The Texans OC joined the franchise in 2023 and delivered incredible results initially. Houston was among the most explosive offenses that season. Slowik’s results were so good that he was invited for an interview with multiple franchises as a head coaching candidate.
However, things have gone south for the 37-year-old. After being one of the hottest names for a head coach position, Slowik was fired after the Texans’ short playoff run in 2024. The NFL world took to the internet to share their reactions to the shocking firing.
Houston Texans Fire OC Bobby Slowik
The Texans parted ways with their offensive coordinator on Friday, Jan. 24. Houston’s HC DeMeco Ryans had said in the season-ending press conference that the franchise would take a week to evaluate everything.
Slowik was the first big name to take the heat. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser and assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich were also relieved of their duties. The Texans’ performance declined significantly under Slowik in 2024.
A Houston shakeup: Bobby Slowik is out as the Texans’ offensive coordinator, per sources. In the span of one year, Slowik went from being a hot head coaching candidate to now looking for work.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2025
Many big names flocked to the comment section to have their say on the matter.
“One year ago everyone was saying Slowik was a genius… now he’s out of a job.. the NFL is not for the faint of heart,” Trey Wingo wrote.
One year ago everyone was saying Slowik was a genius… now he’s out of a job.. the NFL is not for the faint of heart https://t.co/NdyrjhZn6A
— trey wingo (@wingoz) January 24, 2025
Another reporter broke down the reason behind Houston’s decision, saying, “Slowik didn’t adjust his offense much from year one to year two and opposing defensive coordinators picked up on tendencies and specifically blocking. The Texans believe that’s a large part of the regression of Stroud this season.”
Slowik didn’t adjust his offense much from year one to year two and opposing defensive coordinators picked up on tendencies and specifically blocking.
The Texans believe that’s a large part of the regression of Stroud this season.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 24, 2025
One reporter praised the Texans HC for taking the call.
“Said on the podcast about a month ago that one of the storylines of the offseason for me would be whether Demeco had the stones to move on from Slowik even while the guy gets HC interviews. Impressed he did it. Obvious right move for CJ Stroud, imo. Hope Demeco nails this hire,” the repost read.
Said on the podcast about a month ago that one of the storylines of the offseason for me would be whether Demeco had the stones to move on from Slowik even while the guy gets HC interviews.
Impressed he did it. Obvious right move for CJ Stroud imo. Hope Demeco nails this hire. https://t.co/eN2fGxFCa7
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 24, 2025
“This is not to take sides on the way Liam Coen’s process went down — but it is nothing if not timely to point toward Slowik as an example into why a coordinator is often inclined to strike while the iron is hot,” another journalist added.
This is not to take sides on the way Liam Coen’s process went down — but it is nothing if not timely to point toward Slowik as an example into why a coordinator is often inclined to strike while the iron is hot. https://t.co/gMmzgMI4rX
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 24, 2025
Pat McAfee also discussed the potential destination for Slowik on his show.
“BREAKING NEWS: Bobby Slowik is no longer the Houston Texans offensive coordinator,” the caption read.
BREAKING NEWS: Bobby Slowik is no longer the Houston Texans offensive coordinator #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/AK7dD686Gn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 24, 2025
“The Texans fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik today go after two seasons, sources confirm. He was a hot head-coaching name a year ago, but there was a lot of frustration—some from QB CJ Stroud himself—on offense in Houston this year,” one reporter chimed in.
The Texans fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik today go after two seasons, sources confirm. He was a hot head-coaching name a year ago, but there was a lot of frustration—some from QB CJ Stroud himself—on offense in Houston this year.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 24, 2025
The Texans’ performance certainly took a hit this season. Their offensive line ranked 31st in the league in PFN’s OL+ rankings. Their QB went down from B- (81.8) in 2023 to D+ (67.8) in 2024 in terms of QB+. Houston’s offense, No. 15 last year, ranked 28th in Offense+ with a D grade and a score of 64.7.
Here’s where the Texans ranked in several key offensive stats:
- 32nd in rushing success rate (31.5%)
- 23rd in EPA per dropback (-0.04)
- 25th in pass success rate (40.8%)
- 28th in EPA/rush (-0.12)
- 26th in red-zone TD rate (49.1%)
- 24th in points per drive (1.81)
- 29th in third-down avoidance rate (22.2%)
Slowik came back to Houston with an increased salary and an extension after interviewing with multiple franchises following a successful first season. However, despite some additions to his arsenal, Slowik’s offense was neither at that level nor improved. Both the players and the head coach weren’t happy with the setup.
