According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans are reportedly “running it back” with most of the same position coaches from last season.
This news comes after multiple reports of the Philadelphia Eagles interviewing quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for their formerly vacant offensive coordinator position.
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It also slams the door on further coaching changes, after we learned that the Texans were moving on from tight ends coach Jake Moreland, assistant linebackers coach Ben Bolling and offensive assistant Mike Snyder.
While organizational continuity is key for any team’s long-term success, today’s news will certainly disappoint those who believe that the current crop of assistant coaches may not be the most effective at their positions. Namely, Johnson and the perception of his work with quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud has thrown for at least 3,000 yards and 19+ touchdowns in all three professional seasons (including 4,108 in 2023), and won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. So, why would anyone believe that Johnson hasn’t had a positive effect on the young signal caller?
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It all boils down to Stroud’s performances when under pressure as of late, and how its helped the submarine Houston’s Super Bowl aspirations.
When Stroud was a rookie, he was commended for his poise in the pocket, mature decision making and ability to make the tough throws that many young quarterbacks wouldn’t dare to try.
The problem then became (and still is) Stroud’s decline in quarterback mechanics and general production from 2024-2025. Examples of his issues include (not limited to):
Turning the ball over at the most inopportune moments (bad interceptions, fumbles)
Missing wide open check down options in favor of forcing riskier throws downfield
Scrambling himself into sacks when a pocket is otherwise manageable
To be fair to Stroud, some of those issues stem from key skill position players being unavailable due to injuries in big games. He’s gotten to three postseasons in a row where he’s lost at least one offensive option or more due to season-ending ailments (Tank Dell in 2023, Stefon Diggs and Dell in 2024, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, Tank Dell and Joe Mixon in 2025).
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With that said, some of his mistakes are on the individual level, and that’s where fans and local media have pointed the finger at coaches like Johnson for why Stroud’s mechanics and decision making has declined.
According to Ziprecruiter, “A Quarterback Coach is responsible for developing and mentoring the team’s quarterbacks, focusing on mechanics, decision-making, and overall performance. They analyze game footage, design drills, and provide strategic insights to improve a quarterback’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Additionally, they collaborate with offensive coordinators to implement game plans and ensure quarterbacks are prepared for various in-game scenarios.”
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The fact that Stroud has struggled with situational awareness and overall decision-making in year three is a bad look for Johnson.
Most infamously, Stroud put his worst attributes on full display in 2025’s AFC playoffs, where he was responsible for 5+ fumbles (two lost) and 5+ interceptions in just two games (Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots).
With seven months left until the 2026 regular season begins, it remains to be seen if Johnson and co. are solidified in their positions. Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the status quo will be maintained in the Texans orgnization.
Do you think the Texans made the right decision by retaining most of their staff? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us at @Texans_RTB on X and @Texans.Roundtable on TikTok!