C.J. Stroud will enter the 2026 season with a clear focus on continuing his growth as the face of the Houston Texans. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley believes the young quarterback is embracing the demanding leadership standard that once defined Hall of Famer Tom Brady.
Nick Caley Wants C.J. Stroud to Embrace Tom Brady’s Leadership Style
The Texans made headlines last season after bouncing back from a 0–3 start to finish second in the AFC South behind the 13–4 Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Stroud’s championship aspirations ended after the New England Patriots eliminated Houston in the AFC Divisional Round.
Stroud finished the regular season with 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 76.6, ranking 15th in the league.
Houston’s defense was the biggest trump card. The unit was expected to carry the team for a Super Bowl run last season. They finished No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed, but the offense failed to provide enough support when it mattered most.
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Caley recently appeared on “The Schrager Hour” with ESPN’s Peter Schrager to reflect on the core principles he learned coaching alongside Brady.
“You look at Tom [Brady] & the standard was so high; his standard was so damn high,” Caley said.
“You talk about the growth of C.J., the continuous improvement of that leadership, seeing him grow; I’ve been so proud of that. And being able to grab the bull by the horns & being able to lead out in front of those guys and challenge our guys the right way and create that urgency, getting into the huddle, being intentional about things, being able to be crisp, like you’ve seen that growth in the time we’ve been here.”
Nick Caley when asked by @PSchrags on what he learned working with Tom Brady & if he’s used it coaching CJ Stroud:
“You look at Tom & the standard was so high, his standard was so damn high. The way he lead. You talk about the growth of CJ, the continuous improvement of that… pic.twitter.com/77wk8swnDh
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 11, 2026
Caley spent eight seasons in New England as an offensive assistant during the latter portion of Brady’s tenure. His experience around the seven-time Super Bowl champion gave him a firsthand look at how elite quarterback leadership can influence an entire locker room.
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Now, Caley appears determined to bring those same principles to Stroud as the young quarterback continues to develop.
“As coaches, we have a standard, and we’re going to hold guys to those standards, and we’re going to continue to try to move the needle,” Caley added. “The best teams I’ve been a part of, when the players champion that, and they take ownership in that, that’s where the gold is because now everything is clicking, and that’s what I got a chance to see in New England, and that’s what I’m seeing obviously grow here.”
Despite a disappointing end to last season, Stroud refused to let the outcome affect his preparation for the upcoming campaign. The 24-year-old quarterback has shown noticeable improvement in his decision-making, timing, and overall passing efficiency throughout training camp.
Following significant organizational changes after Deshaun Watson’s exit, Houston needed a new leader around whom to build the roster. Stroud has quickly evolved into that player, and head coach DeMeco Ryans recently praised the passer for displaying greater confidence and taking full ownership of the system.
The Texans will kick off their 2026 preseason schedule on Thursday, August 13, when they host the Los Angeles Chargers.
