DeMeco Ryans appears to have emerged as the Texans’ long-term head coach.
Houston went from being an AFC afterthought to a serious contender under the leadership of the former NFL linebacker. To that end, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was instrumental in leading the team to the divisional round in Year 1 against low expectations.
The best call made by Ryans as a coach came early in his tenure, other from selecting Stroud. Choosing Bobby Slowik as his offensive coordinator was Ryans’ first big coaching move. The young mastermind had come from San Francisco to guide an attack that had gone through a rough couple of years without Deshaun Watson.
One of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history was accomplished by Stroud while learning from Slowik. Along with WR Nico Collins, who had a good year, and rookie WR Tank Dell, who adjusted to the NFL with ease, Slowik also had success with them.
As teams attempt to rejuvenate their offenses in a similar fashion to the Texans, Slowik has emerged as a top candidate for head coaching, thus Ryans may have to make another crucial decision this offseason.
Who is Bobby Slowik?
Shortly after Ryans was named the team’s head coach, Slowik joined the Texans as their offensive coordinator.
From the time Ryans was hired by Houston, it was clear that he and Slowik were acquainted from their time together with the 49ers. In 2017, Kyle Shanahan hired Slowik as a defensive quality control coach. He later rose through the ranks to become an offensive assistant, a passing game specialist, and eventually the passing game coordinator.
Before Mike McDaniel went to take over as head coach of the Dolphins following the 2021 season, Slowik worked under him. With McDaniel gone, Slowik assumed an even more important role under Shanahan.
Before joining the 49ers, Slowik‘s coaching career took some unexpected detours. From 2011 to 2013, he served as a defensive assistant under Mike Shanahan, working alongside Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur, and McDaniel in Washington’s renowned coaching staff. All four of those coaches went on to become head coaches in the future. Bob Slowik, Slowik’s father, was the team’s linebackers coach from 2012 to 2013.
Following the election of a new administration in Washington, Slowik was let go and worked for three years as a player grader for Pro Football Focus as he looked for work as an NFL coach. When Kyle Shanahan was hired as the 49ers’ head coach in 2017, that chance presented itself.
The trend of NFL teams looking to young offensive masterminds for head coaching positions was started by McVay’s instant success with the Rams and then Shanahan’s success in San Francisco. If Slowik were to land a high-level role following the Texans’ season, he would bring another Shanahan disciple into the fold.