The Houston Texans have ended their relationship with quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Johnson was brought onto the Texans’ coaching staff in 2023 after DeMeco Ryans became the team’s head coach.
This personnel change came somewhat unexpectedly, especially since Johnson, 37, had attracted attention beyond Houston and was granted a second interview for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator position recently.
Offensive Staff Revisions Follow Previous Coordinator Departure
This offseason marks the second year in a row that the Texans have altered their offensive coaching lineup, having dismissed offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik earlier in January 2025. These adjustments appear to connect closely to the recent decline in performance by franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Examining Stroud’s Performance Trends
In the 2023 season, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns against just five interceptions over 15 starts. He led the NFL with an average of 273.9 passing yards per game. However, over the past two seasons, Stroud’s game has shown visible regression. Across 31 games, he recorded 39 touchdowns and 20 interceptions while his average yards per game dropped to 218.3. Additionally, his quarterback rating stood at 89.6, and his QBR was 46.4 according to Pro Football Reference.
One notable moment of downturn was Stroud’s performance in the 2025 divisional round playoff loss to the New England Patriots, where he threw four interceptions, overshadowing the Texans’ efforts.
Prospective Replacement and Coaching Strategy
Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle has suggested veteran coach Jerry Schuplinski as a potential successor to Johnson. Schuplinski is currently a senior offensive analyst and pass game specialist with the Texans, having joined from the Los Angeles Rams the previous offseason.
The Road Ahead for Stroud and the Texans
The Texans are approaching a critical phase in their relationship with Stroud, who has one more guaranteed year remaining on his rookie contract and a club option worth $27.2 million for the 2027 season. General manager Nick Caserio publicly reaffirmed the organization’s support for Stroud this week and dismissed trade rumors as moronic.
Nonetheless, the team must consider whether offering Stroud a market-level contract extension is presently prudent. A strong performance in the 2026 campaign could alleviate those concerns, and the appointment of a new quarterbacks coach might be essential in helping Stroud regain his earlier form and confidence.
Texans and QB coach Jerrod Johnson have parted ways, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2026
#Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson is among the candidates who received second, in-person interviews for #Eagles offensive coordinator, sources say. He was in the building today. pic.twitter.com/BVdHKJSwYA
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 29, 2026
The #Texans mutually parted ways with QB Jerrod Johnson, a source told the @HoustonChron .
Expect Jerry Schuplinski to have QBs coach added to his title.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) February 26, 2026
