was seen as a rising star in the head coaching rankings last offseason after a breakthrough campaign quarterback on the way to the division title.
Is that still the case despite a mixed second season as the Texans' main player? Fans could soon find out when another team begins their search for a new man at the helm.
The fired Friday morning after a self-imploding goal . With 36 seconds remaining, Chicago chose not to use its final timeout, resulting in one final swing into the end zone.
Friday marked a new chapter for the NFC franchise. Eberflus was the first head coach in the team's 105-year history to be fired during this season.
General manager Ryans Poles is expected to take over after drafting future franchise quarterback Calen Williams. Chicago believes it is good enough to contend for the playoffs and the Super Bowl in any year, despite currently holding a record of 4-8 through 13 weeks.
Bobby Slowik described the Texans' problems in the second half as unusual and atypical despite the extensive work and asked him why.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker)
The plan appears to be for the Bears to bring in an offensive-minded coach to work alongside Caleb Williams. Is Slowik on the shortlist after helping Stroud break records during his rookie campaign in 2023?
At the moment it's a mess. The Texans are 7-5, largely due to their struggles in the second half. Despite a steady run of play under the direction of Joe Mixon, instability in scoring has hindered Houston's success with a more moderate schedule.
Since defeating the New England Patriots in Week 6, Houston has scored just one offensive touchdown in the second half, on a 1-yard run by Mixon against Dallas when Houston had a 10-yard lead in the fourth quarter.
Bobby Slowik on last year's offense vs. this year's offense:
“I’m pretty sure our offense is better right now.”
– Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter)
Not everyone can be blamed for gambling. Stroud almost doubled his number of interceptions compared to last season after failing to communicate with his targets. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year is under constant pressure behind an offensive line that is allowing the fourth-most sacks this season.
Slowik's case has two positive aspects. First, he has already interviewed for a head coaching position, meeting with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders in the last cycle. He will understand what GMs and executives want in a coach.
The second level of references. Kyle Shanahan remains one of the most respected coaches in the league and would be happy to recommend one of his protégés. DeMeco Ryans would also make another move for Slowik and could sell the idea of a quick turnaround.
If Ryans could turn a struggling team into a playoff contender in one offseason, why should Slowik be any different?
Slowik's experience as a defensive coach also gives him insight into many schematic advantages over other candidates. Then there's the whole “developing Stroud into a star” thing that every franchise with a promising quarterback prospect on the team should be attracted to.
The Texans' running game this season:
31st in rushing success rate
23rd in EPA/Play
21st in yards/gameProbably the biggest concern with Houston right now is how often Bobby Slowik runs the ball (and sets it up with play-actions).
– Bradley Locker (@Bradley_Locker)
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is at the top of all coaching searches and should be the publicly acquired No. 1 pick. Depending on what teams are looking for in the coaching world, the No. 2 option remains an open race.
When it comes to defense, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores should be at the top of the list.
On offense, Tampa Buccaneers play-caller Liam Coen is gaining momentum. The same goes for Kliff Kingsbury, the former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator and current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator.
Given his background, Slowik's success makes him a must for an interview, even if the team goes in a different direction after the first phone call.
