The NFL world is abuzz after the Houston Texans made a surprise coaching move this week. Quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and the team have parted ways, leaving fans and insiders questioning the timing. Coming right after C.J. Stroud’s divisional playoff meltdown, the decision sure has raised eyebrows.
Was this long-planned, or a mid-season reaction to Stroud’s struggles? Either way, it goes to show a big shakeup for the Texans’ offensive staff.
Texans Part Ways with Quarterbacks Coach Jerrod Johnson
For three seasons, Johnson served as the key voice in Stroud’s ear, guiding the second-overall pick since his rookie year. Now, with the Texans entering a pivotal offseason, that connection is gone. Johnson’s exit comes amidst a team-wide push to tweak the offense after another inconsistent year, especially given Stroud’s playoff collapse against the New England Patriots.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the split between the Texans and Johnson. The announcement was succinct but loaded with implications. Was it mutual or a firing? And why now, in the middle of the Scouting Combine, when most coaching positions around the league are already filled?
The Texans have maintained offensive coordinator Nick Caley despite Stroud’s up-and-down season. Meanwhile, Johnson interviewed for offensive coordinator roles over the last two hiring cycles but didn’t land a spot. His departure leaves the Texans scrambling to fill a new quarterbacks coach role, a key position as Stroud heads into his fourth NFL season.
Johnson joined the Texans in 2023 with head coach DeMeco Ryans, after one year as the Vikings’ assistant quarterbacks coach. He’s been a central figure in developing Stroud, who finished the 2025 campaign with 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a 64.5% completion rate across 14 games.
The divisional playoff collapse, in which Stroud threw four interceptions in a 16-28 loss to New England, only intensified the spotlight on the Texans’ offensive staff.
Wow. This is shocking. Timing is odd too. https://t.co/dFlXrN6ENO
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) February 26, 2026
Fans and insiders were quick to react. On Twitter, the Houston coverage page, Houston Stressans wrote: “Wow. This is shocking. Timing is odd too.”
Slowik now Johnson in back to back seasons. https://t.co/u9dqtEXUu5
— Matt Thomas (@SportsMT) February 26, 2026
Matt Thomas, radio voice for the Rockets, added: “Slowik now Johnson in back-to-back seasons.”
Jerrod Johnson, whether it’s his fault or not, was tied to the hip with C.J. Stroud’s fall from grace over the last two years.
Not surprised at all the team is moving on, think it’s best for everyone that Stroud has a new quarterback coach https://t.co/bKsJ5xRKhm
— John Crumpler (@JohnCrumplerMD) February 26, 2026
NFL writer John Crumpler noted: “Jerrod Johnson, whether it’s his fault or not, was tied to the hip with C.J. Stroud’s fall from grace over the last two years. Not surprised at all the team is moving on, think it’s best for everyone that Stroud has a new quarterback coach.”
Eagles have shown a ton of interest in Jerrod Johnson in recent years.
I wonder if they could somehow find a spot for him on their new-look coaching staff. https://t.co/U8k9b8UUJB
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) February 26, 2026
Meanwhile, Eagles beat writer Anthony DiBona speculated on Johnson’s next step: “Eagles have shown a ton of interest in Jerrod Johnson in recent years. I wonder if they could somehow find a spot for him on their new-look coaching staff.”
The Texans plan to add quarterbacks coach duties to Jerry Schuplinski’s title, Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports, as the team moves quickly to reshape the offensive staff.
Johnson’s exit marks the biggest coaching shift so far in a relatively stable Texans offseason, signaling a clear priority: improve the offense and give Stroud the guidance he’ll need in 2026.
