This offseason has brought significant changes for C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans’ quarterback, as the team makes major adjustments to its coaching staff. Coming off a season filled with both progress and setbacks, Stroud faces a new landscape heading into 2026, with the Texans aiming to refine their approach around their former No. 2 overall pick.
Texans Make Key Coaching Changes Affecting Stroud
The Texans have officially ended their relationship with Jerrod Johnson, the quarterback coach who has been a constant presence during Stroud’s career. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the firing of Johnson was confirmed on February 26, marking a significant shift for Stroud, who has only ever known Johnson as his position coach at the professional level.
This move is part of a broader retooling initiated by the Texans after a difficult 2024 campaign. The team is entering its fourth season under head coach DeMeco Ryans and second year with offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Both Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio have expressed confidence in Caley’s ability to lead the offense. While it initially appeared that Johnson’s departure was tied to Caley’s promotion, sources indicate the decision was mutual.
KPRC 2 reporter Aaron Wilson revealed that Johnson, a Humble native, has several coaching opportunities available following the split, which occurred just before the NFL Combine. Wilson emphasized that the parting was Johnson’s choice and not imposed by the Texans.
Now former #Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, after parting ways with team mutually, has multiple coaching options, per sources, to consider after Humble native worked for hometown team past three years,
Wilson posted on X on February 26.
Ultimately, this was Jerrod Johnson’s decision in mutual parting of ways per #NFL sources and he had left #Texans staff a week ago prior to #NFLCombine has several options.
As the Texans continue refining their staff, this change represents a major shift for Stroud’s offseason preparation.
Texans Promote Internally to Maintain Offensive Continuity
Despite Johnson’s departure, the Texans are aiming to provide Stroud with some consistency in his quarterback room. Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reported that Jerry Schuplinski will add the quarterbacks coach title to his existing responsibilities as passing game coordinator and senior offensive assistant. Schuplinski is known as OC Nick Caley’s key right-hand man, which could facilitate smoother collaboration.
Expect Jerry Schuplinski to have QBs coach added to his title,
Alexander wrote on X.
Alexander also pointed out that the split with Johnson was not unexpected, as Stroud’s performance has shown signs of regression or stagnation over his first two seasons in the league. The Texans are continuing to reshape their offensive coaching staff, following recent changes including the firing of tight ends coach Jake Moreland and hiring former Giants assistant James Ferentz as his replacement.
It is arguably the biggest move of the 2026 offseason for the Texans as they try to improve their offense,
Alexander noted.
Assistant offensive line coach Zach Yenser also left the Texans this offseason, joining the Miami Dolphins.
Also, assistant offensive line coach Zach Yenser went to the Dolphins.
Ongoing Changes Present Challenges and Opportunities for Stroud
The turnover in coaching staff is significant for any NFL player, especially a young quarterback like Stroud, who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. While general manager Nick Caserio has stated that Stroud is the team’s quarterback in 2026, the Texans have yet to commit beyond that point, though they retain several options to keep him on the roster.
Maintaining consistency in coaching is crucial for Stroud’s continued growth, as frequent changes can disrupt a young player’s progress. Stroud showed early promise in his rookie season under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and former QB coach Jerrod Johnson but has faced challenges adapting to coaching turnover.
With head coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff striving to stabilize the offense, the hope is that this offseason’s moves will set Stroud up for improved development and success in the coming year. How these coaching adjustments influence Stroud’s performance will be closely watched as Houston aims to build on his potential and navigate a critical offseason.
Texans and QB Jerrod Johnson have parted ways, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2026
#Texans and longtime quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson have parted ways, per a league source @KPRC2
Johnson has interviewed for multiple OC positions in recent years including #Eagles
Jerry Schlupinski, senior offensive assistant, will be leaned on to help coach C.J. Stroud— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 26, 2026
Ultimately, this was Jerrod Johnson's decision in mutual parting of ways per #NFL sources and he had left #Texans staff a week ago prior to #NFLCombine has several options @KPRC2 https://t.co/K65FDfh6ZB
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 26, 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
