This offseason has already been one of changes for C.J. Stroud, and the Houston Texans have thrown another curveball in the former No. 2 overall pick’s direction.
Stroud is coming off a polarizing season.
He took meaningful steps forward in terms of avoiding sacks after finishing with the second most in 2024. However, Stroud also seemed to struggle to overcome some of the obstacles in front of him that even the Texans could not control, leaving someone else to pay the price.
C.J. Stroud Gets Major Update From Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after a loss against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on February 26 that the Texans had parted ways with quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson, the only position coach Stroud has known.
That is a notable point, given the Texans are on their second offensive coordinator and the struggles that unfolded last season. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio expressed confidence in now-second-year OC Nick Caley.
That seemingly left Johnson on the hook, but further reports suggest otherwise.
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson noted that Johnson has interviewed for multiple OC openings, but also that the decision was not one-sided and that the former QB coach has options.
“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.”
The news drew plenty of attention as the Texans continue to fine-tune around Stroud.
Texans Promoting From Within
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans adjusts a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander reported good news for Stroud, in that he will not have a completely new voice in his ear throughout the week.
“Expect Jerry Schuplinski to have QBs coach added to his title,” Alexander posted on X.
Schuplinski, Alexander noted, is Caley’s “right-hand man” and is already a senior offensive assistant and the Texans’ passing game coordinator on that side of the ball. Moreover, Alexander noted that the split between Johnson and the Texans is unsurprising.
Alexander pointed to Stroud’s regression/stagnation over the past two seasons and the Texans’ retooling of their offensive staff entering Ryans’ fourth season.
“It is arguably the biggest move of the 2026 offseason for the Texans as they try to improve their offense,” Alexander wrote in a follow-up article. “Earlier this offseason, Ryans fired tight ends coach Jake Moreland. He hired ex-Giants assistant coach James Ferentz to serve in that vacant role.
“Also, assistant offensive line coach Zach Yenser went to the Dolphins.”
Change Remains Constant for C.J. Stroud This Offseason
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NFL teams lose coaches every offseason. Moving on willingly, as the Texans have, looms large for QBs like Stroud, who is extension-eligible this offseason.
Caserio asserted that Stroud is the Texans’ QB in 2026. He was less committal about the years beyond, but the Texans have mechanisms at their disposal to keep him in the mix beyond next season.
However, consistency is a critical part of all young players’ development.
Ryans and the Texans can only hope their efforts are a return to that for Stroud, who had set the league on fire in his rookie season under a different OC (Bobby Slowik) and, now, QB coach.
Texans’ C.J. Stroud Gets Critical Update Before Potential Offseason Decision