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Who do you want as the new OC?

Porky said:
I don’t think a QB’s ability to play the position has a single thing to do with how well he may coach. Just because he has a noodle arm, or can’t process as quickly as some doesn’t mean he can’t draw up an offense. I am not totally opposed to McCown. I’d prefer him to any of the 3 internal candidates mentioned.

But I still prefer someone with experience calling plays and designing an offense. I don’t think they absolutely must have had HC experience, but that could be viewed as a plus. Kubiak is probably my first choice, especially if Gary somehow is part of the package. Every candidate I have seen mentioned has flaws. I don’t see the perfect guy out there.

I would be fine with virtually all of the external candidates mentioned. If it’s an internal guy…less thrilled but whomever they hire gets a clean slate from the fans…or at least this fan, and gets his chance to turn this offense into something that defenses fear.
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Does it have to be a prerequisite? No. But does it give a perspective OC an advantage even if it is only a small one? I think there’s some convincing evidence out there to suggest that. Being a former qb you just tend to see things differently than most other players on the field b/c you’re trained to; to see the whole field and see everything.
Just take a look at some of the guys regarded as good play callers in the game today, past and present. College and/or pro. A lot of them are former QBs. Hell look at this past hiring cycle.
3 of the 6 are former QBs..and at least 2 of them had stout offenses.

Does it ensure success? Of course not, but u get what im saying.
 
JB said:
I don't want either. Why do you want McCown?
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I’m just saying I’m more open to him being the guy as opposed to categorically dismissing him b/c of his lack of experience like some are. If we went another way, I’d be ok with it……just as long as it’s not Reich, Pederson or McCarthy.
 
Mr teX said:
He was an offensive quality control coach for a few years, then a ASSISTANT qb coach before becoming and actual qb coach these last 2 years. #1, what even is a quality control coach to begin with and what do they do? 2, do u get like 1/2 credit for being an assistant to an assistant lol. I mean im not even saying he shouldn’t be a candidate, but you’re kinda splitting hairs at this point between his qualifications and McCown.

Both guys are pretty much on the same level in terms of perceived readiness to step up and call plays for an offense.
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Quality control is like the entry level job. Think NFL’s version of mail room employee. They go where they are needed not specializing in any particular position group.

DeMeco started his coaching career as a quality control coach.

When DeMeco mentions, “Teach tape” and references guys like Brevin Jordan making the “teach tape reel” during camp or in-season, the quality control guys are more than likely the ones putting that together based on the coaches parameters.

EX: I need you to find me good examples of a reach block. Here is an example of someone doing it correctly, now watch the film of previous practices and games then put together tape with examples of good reach blocks.

*Fast forward to the next meeting after quality control coach has completed this task*

DeMeco: Hey guys, check out this reach block by Brevin Jordan at practice yesterday! This is how we coach it and how we want to see it done!
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
Quality control is like the entry level job. Think NFL’s version of mail room employee. They go where they are needed not specializing in any particular position group.

DeMeco started his coaching career as a quality control coach.

When DeMeco mentions, “Teach tape” and references guys like Brevin Jordan making the “teach tape reel” during camp or in-season, the quality control guys are more than likely the ones putting that together based on the coaches parameters.

EX: I need you to find me good examples of a reach block. Here is an example of someone doing it correctly, now watch the film of previous practices and games then put together tape with examples of good reach blocks.

*Fast forward to the next meeting after quality control coach has completed this task*

DeMeco: Hey guys, check out this reach block by Brevin Jordan at practice yesterday! This is how we coach it and how we want to see it done!
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So basically, they’re interns…I wouldn’t count that as quality coaching experience b/c u and I could do that stuff.
 
Mr teX said:
Our very own Demeco had exactly 1 more year than McCown does now as a position coach with the 49ers before he was promoted to DC for them. It worked out just fine.
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DeMeco took over a defense that was already built & a system he worked in for a couple of years. Their schedule & processes they worked through the week was already established.

& as far as "everything" worked out just fine? He had to fire the majority of his offensive staff two years in. I don't know how you don't see that as a major fail for a HC.

I don't hate Josh McCown, I doubt any of us do. We hate the idea of Josh McCown as OC, with only one year of NFL coaching experience. Hiring people you like with no experience is why DeMeco is looking for a new OC. & this is while watching Slowik for 4 years & recognizing a good coach in him, & now you want DeMeco to choose McCown based on potential he has not personally witnessed?

You don't want an old guy like Reich... cool. You made good points there. I cede the point. I'm just saying there are younger candidates than McCown out there with more experience, like Kellen Moore (but he's already got a job). Surely more at the collegiate level (I don't watch college ball so I can't give you an example).
 
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thunderkyss said:
DeMeco took over a defense that was already built & a system he worked in for a couple of years. Three schedule & processes they worked through the week was already established.

& as far as "everything" worked out just fine? He had to fire the majority of his offensive staff two years in. I don't know how you don't see that as a major fail for a HC.

I don't hate Josh McCown, I doubt any of us do. We hate the idea of Josh McCown as OC, with only one year of NFL coaching experience. Hiring people you like with no experience is why DeMeco is looking for a new OC. & this is while watching Slowik for 4 years & recognizing a good coach in him, & now you want DeMeco to choose McCown based on potential he has not personally witnessed?

You don't want an old guy like Reich... cool. You made good points there. I cede the point. I'm just saying there are younger candidates than McCown out there with more experience, like Kellen Moore (but he's already got a job). Surely more at the collegiate level (I don't watch college ball so I can't give you an example).
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Not true at all. It’s not a fail for Demeco anymore than it was a fail for Dan Campbell to fire his OC Anthony Lynn after just 1 season when he 1st started out. Reality is Most coaches are making coaching changes after 2 seasons especially if their team has performed poorly but also too if they’ve done well and their assistants are hired away. That paved the way for Ben Johnson... Who had extensive coaching experience but nothing that would lead you to believe he was capable of designing an offense to the level that he did in Detroit. Hiring and firing coaches a few years in…..It’s just the nature of the beast.

& technically this is McCown’s 2nd year as a qb coach. Was in Carolina with Reich for most of 2023 before he was fired along with Reich.

Regardless, if we’re limiting the pool to candidates Meco has “personally witnessed” then that limits the pool significantly right?
 
Mr teX said:
Both guys are pretty much on the same level in terms of perceived readiness to step up and call plays for an offense.
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An OC is responsible for a lot more than calling plays. He's the boss for every offensive position coach & assistant. All the logistics that has to happen is his purview.

An assistant QB coach is an offensive assistant they've already pigeon holed with a specialty but they've already got that position coach.
 
Mr teX said:
Regardless, if we’re limiting the pool to candidates Meco has “personally witnessed” then that limits the pool significantly right?
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I'm crossing out anyone with little to no experience that DeMeco has not personally witnessed.

Guys like Ben McDaniels & Jerrod Johnson are OK, since Demeco has personal experience with them.
 
Mr teX said:
Does it have to be a prerequisite? No. But does it give a perspective OC an advantage even if it is only a small one? I think there’s some convincing evidence out there to suggest that. Being a former qb you just tend to see things differently than most other players on the field b/c you’re trained to; to see the whole field and see everything.
Just take a look at some of the guys regarded as good play callers in the game today, past and present. College and/or pro. A lot of them are former QBs. Hell look at this past hiring cycle.
3 of the 6 are former QBs..and at least 2 of them had stout offenses.

Does it ensure success? Of course not, but u get what im saying.
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I do and good post.
 
Mr teX said:
So basically, they’re interns…I wouldn’t count that as quality coaching experience b/c u and I could do that stuff.
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As much as I wish the Texans agreed we could do that stuff… that’s not the case. If DeMeco was not above the job then i’m sure there is more value to it than being an intern. You have to learn the profession if you want to rise. Can’t be CEO the first day no matter how much Easterby tries to convince ownership to get you there (Mccown HC).
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
As much as I wish the Texans agreed we could do that stuff… that’s not the case. If DeMeco was not above the job then i’m sure there is more value to it than being an intern. You have to learn the profession you want to go there. Can’t be CEO the first day no matter how much Easterby tries to convince ownership to get you there (Mccown HC).
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Well yeah, they’re not coming to the table with no experience in the game at all, but the bar is low is what I’m saying. And there’s nothing much lower than that except being an assistant to an assistant…maybe. That’s where Slowik started out as..but it makes sense b/c he was never a pro player. So Meco not being above it is secondary. If he wanted to get into coaching at the pro level, that’s where he had to start.
 
thunderkyss said:
Why would you prefer McCown to Ben McDaniels or Jerrod Johnson?
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Internal vs. external. Im sure the internal candidates will present different ideas from Bobby in an interview…but still you’ve got guys here that played a role in tossing Bobby. Im looking for a clean slate and fresh eyes.
 
JB said:
Behind a paywall... can you summarize? Anyone not discussed here?
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Jerod Johnson​



Current job: Texans quarterbacks coach

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Analysis: Johnson, a former Humble High School standout, was once thought to be the heir apparent to Slowik after Stroud had arguably the most successful rookie seasons of all-time in 2023, when he finished with the most passing yards per game and the best touchdown to interception ratio.

After interviewing for several offensive coordinator jobs last year, Johnson remained in Houston and signed an extension and received a raise.
But some of that hype wore off a bit after Stroud and the offense struggled in 2024. Stroud finished with 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and an 87 passer rating, which were all drops from his rookie season.

Not all the blame can be placed on Johnson, who is a possible candidate for the Jets' offensive coordinator job. While Stroud's offensive line failed to protect him, his drop in numbers will unfortunately be tied to his position coach.

Before joining the Texans in 2023, Johnson was an assistant quarterbacks coach for the Vikings under Kevin O'Connell, who is thought to be the front-runner for NFL coach of the year. In Minnesota, Johnson had a ton of success.

A source told the Chronicle this offseason that the Texans allowed Johnson to call plays some in the preseason.


Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has head coaching experience in NFL with San Francisco and Philadelphia.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images



Chip Kelly​



Current job: Ohio State offensive coordinator

Analysis: Kelly is the hottest name on the market, coming off a national championship with the Buckeyes last week in his first season in Columbus. Under Kelly, the Buckeyes had the 12th-ranked scoring offense, averaging 35.7 points per game, and beat Notre Dame to win the inaugural 12-team playoff.

Kelly also has NFL experience. He was the Eagles' head coach from 2013-15, where he coached Ryans for three seasons.

At his introductory press conference, Ryans spoke about what he learned from all his former coaches, including Kelly.

"He was a master motivator, but he was always an innovator," Ryans said of Kelly in 2023. "Chip Kelly, he was always on the cutting edge. Always looking for ways to get better with sports science, technology."

So there's a connection.

Kelly also coached one year in San Francisco before he was fired after a 2-14 season in 2016.

What could keep him away from the Texans are offers to be a head coach, or a chance at back-to-back national titles.


Rams offensive coordinaor Mike LaFleur.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images



Mike LaFleur​



Current job: Los Angles Rams offensive coordinator

Analysis: LaFleur, 37, is the younger brother of Packers coach Matt LaFleur, an offensive guru, and has been the offensive coordinator with the Rams for two seasons.

Why would he change teams? He doesn't call the plays in Los Angeles. That duty belongs to head coach Sean McVay. LaFleur called plays for two seasons when he was offensive coordinator of the Jets in 2021-22 under Robert Saleh, who is a friend and mentor to Ryans.

McVay is thought to be one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, so having learned under him is a benefit. Though the Rams' numbers were similar to the Texans in most categories, they were ranked 10th in the NFL in passing yards per game this past season. They averaged 21.6 points per game, which was slightly less than the Texans.

What might keep LaFleur from the Texans is that he runs a similar offense, and is close friends with Slowik.


Nick Caley is the passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Tyler Schank/Getty Images



Nick Caley​



Current job: Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator

Analysis: Caley has been widely talked about in league circles during this hiring cycle. And widely-talked-about names often get first dibs at jobs.

Caley is the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator for the Rams, who had one of the NFL's best passing attacks. Matt Stafford had a solid season, throwing 20 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

Caley went to John Carroll University, the same school Texans general manager Nick Caserio attended. He was also an offensive assistant with the Patriots when Caserio was in New England. So he has connections to Houston.
However, several reports indicated Caley was a favorite to be the Jets' OC under Aaron Glenn.

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
Matt Patterson/Associated Press



Mike McCarthy​



Current job: Unemployed. Former Dallas Cowboys coach.

Analysis: McCarthy has little connection to Ryans and the 61-year-old coach, who has plenty of experience, is likely looking for another head coaching job.

He won a Super Bowl with the Packers with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback. And in five seasons with the Cowboys, he was 49-35, which included three 12-win seasons.

Quarterback Dak Prescott enjoyed some of his better seasons under McCarthy. This past season, Prescott got hurt and the Cowboys finished 7-10.


Josh McCown, the Vikings quarterbacks coach, was once a candidate for the Texans' head coaching position.
Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press



Josh McCown​



Currenty job: Minnesota Vikings quarterback coach

Analysis: McCown, who played in Houston in 2020 before retiring, nearly got the Texans' head coaching job in 2022 before Caserio pivoted to Lovie Smith.
McCown didn't have much success as the quarterbacks coach with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. But he was hired to coach quarterbacks with the Vikings under Kevin O'Connell and did a great job with Sam Darnold.

Darnold had the best season of his career and was an MVP candidate after passing for 4,319 yards, 35 TDs, 12 interceptions and a 102.5 passer rating. He helped lead the Vikings to the playoffs and a 14-3 record.

Whether it would work in Houston after what played out three years ago is unclear. But many around the league expect McCown to be a head coach someday, and at the least an offensive coordinator soon.


Former Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson.
Karen Warren/Staff photographer



Doug Pederson​



Current job: Unemployed. Former Jacksonville Jaguars coach.

Analysis: Pederson was recently fired by the Jaguars but he has a ton of experience, including winning a Super Bowl as a head coach with the Eagles in 2017. A former NFL quarterback himself, Pederson was 22-29 in three seasons in Jacksonville, winning the AFC South in 2022 but finishing 3-14 last season.

Pederson and Ryans have expressed their respect for one another competing against each other the past two years.


New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Jerome Miron/AP



Klint Kubiak​



Current job: New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator

Analysis: Kubiak, the son of former Texans coach Gary Kubiak, spent one season as the 49ers' passing game coordinator in 2023. Kubiak was around the Texans when his father was the head coach and Ryans was one of the elder Kubiak's favorite players.

Klint Kubiak was the offensive coordinator of the Saints this past season, where they had one of the more explosive offenses before injuries derailed things. They finished ranked 21st in total yards (320.1), slightly above the Texans. The Saints ranked 24th in points per game (19.9).

Kubiak is still technically under contract with New Orleans. However, the team is looking for a new head coach.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.
Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP



Other notable names​



• Byron Leftwitch, former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator
• Shane Day, former Texans offensive assistant and now quarterbacks coach for the Chargers
• Tee Martin, Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks' coach
 
I hear what everyone is saying and by no means am I advocating for McCown to be the guy. We were in this same mindset in 2022 & All im saying is i’m not falling for the “experience” ruse again. Not after Pep Hamilton.
 
I always look for connections. Out of all the external candidates, I think he’s got the most professional ties to Chip Kelly. A close second is Kubiak…more personally then professionally. So, I’m going to go out on a small limb and opine that it’s either Klint or Chip.

Is Klint still under contract with the Saints?
 
Porky said:
I always look for connections. Out of all the external candidates, I think he’s got the most professional ties to Chip Kelly. A close second is Kubiak…more personally then professionally. So, I’m going to go out on a small limb and opine that it’s either Klint or Chip.

Is Klint still under contract with the Saints?
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Kubiak is still technically under contract with New Orleans. However, the team is looking for a new head coach.
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Porky said:
I always look for connections. Out of all the external candidates, I think he’s got the most professional ties to Chip Kelly. A close second is Kubiak…more personally then professionally. So, I’m going to go out on a small limb and opine that it’s either Klint or Chip.

Is Klint still under contract with the Saints?
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Yes, but he may not survive once the Saints find their new HC.
 
Wouldn't mind taking a look at Shane Day.

Has mostly been a position coach throughout his career but I know when he was here last year CJ really liked him.

Could also potentially bring some of the Chargers system with him too.

Otherwise Chip Kelly would probably be the guy I'd want if we're looking for experience at the position. Even though I'm highly skeptical as he seems like the classic, "great in college, meh in the pros" type of coach. The things he does have going for him are he can definitely take control of the offense and the staff and run the ship from that end and he is an innovative guy. He's not the hurry-up master like he was but I think CJ in the hurry-up could be deadly.
 
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Mr teX said:
Never doubted that, I just think the front office as a whole made this call. Meco was probably the only one who wasn’t gung ho about it but Nick, Cal and Hannah were like…View attachment 15185

I think he’s being fired for how the o-line struggled more than anything. Specifically for how long it took just to get a workable o-line for CJ to be able to operate decently behind…and his insistence on trying to have Schultz blocking lol. The pass protection scheme was a mess all season long & The changes that were made towards the end of the season should’ve happened way earlier.
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When you have a bad o-line you probably shouldn't also be near the top of the league in 5 step drops. That's on Slowik.
 
santo said:
Pederson seems to turn average WRs into good ones. Plus he knows how to develop a running game as well.
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Disagree about the run game.

He makes overly complicated run games that rarely work. When they work the 1 out of 10 times it looks genius but that's rarely the case.
 
Sweech said:
Wouldn't mind taking a look at Shane Day.

Has mostly been a position coach throughout his career but I know when he was here last year CJ really liked him.

Could also potentially bring some of the Chargers system with him too.
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QB coach is a very natural precursor to OC. He's familiar with the game from a play calling perspective. Hopefully he's involved with & understands the theory of how plays are designed in light of how defenses are coached.

If he knows how to be a good coach & has the ability to encourage & empower others to coach well he may make a good OC.
 
thunderkyss said:
QB coach is a very natural precursor to OC. He's familiar with the game from a play calling perspective. Hopefully he's involved with & understands the theory of how plays are designed in light of how defenses are coached.

If he knows how to be a good coach & has the ability to encourage & empower others to coach well he may make a good OC.
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Overall if we're returning the the rookie OC mould I at least want one with a lot of coaching experience behind it.

I'd far prefer a Shane Day to a Josh McCown for example.
 
Sweech said:
The things he does have going for him are he can definitely take control of the offense and the staff and run the ship from that end and he is an innovative guy. He's not the hurry-up master like he was but I think CJ in the hurry-up could be deadly.
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Don't forget there is an indrect connection between Stroud and Kelly. Ohio State's head coach Ryan Day is close to Kelly. Day was New Hampshire's QB when Chip Kelly was the OC. Day's first coaching job was under Kelly as a TE coach. Day was also the QB coach in Philly and San Fran under Kelly. There may be some comfort with Kelly's offense for Stroud and CJ may be pushing for Kelly. Only question would be if Kelly wants the job.
 
In my ideal world, the Texans would get Kelly as OC and retain Johnson to keep some continuity for CJ.
 
thunderkyss said:
I like Leftwhich & Lynn.

What's Leftwhich been doing last couple of years.
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Anthony Lynn was fired in Detroit when he couldn’t get their offense going. That’s when Ben Johnson stepped in.

Something happened in San Diego when he had Herbert as a rookie to not stay around.

Lynn doesn’t instill confidence.

Leftwich? Meh. What have you done lately?
 
Lucky said:
Don't forget there is an indrect connection between Stroud and Kelly. Ohio State's head coach Ryan Day is close to Kelly. Day was New Hampshire's QB when Chip Kelly was the OC. Day's first coaching job was under Kelly as a TE coach. Day was also the QB coach in Philly and San Fran under Kelly. There may be some comfort with Kelly's offense for Stroud and CJ may be pushing for Kelly. Only question would be if Kelly wants the job.
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Good stuff thanks Lucky. I’d bet a dollar that Kelly is interested, and he may be the leader in the clubhouse. One thing that ticked me off with Bobby is that CJ was clearly good in hurry up but he ran it so little. Gotta be careful with hurry up, but I’d certainly sprinkle it in more than Bobby did, and I’d like the entire operation to be faster. I think Chip can do that. I’m onboard. Let’s go!
 
I have no doubt that Chip Kelly is a good teacher and could run an offense. It would be interesting to see how many players on this squad fit the bill for what he wants, in the past he didn't compromise on that. He's an analytics guy so you know he'll be innovative and make adjustments. I also wonder if he's probably in the most ideal position for himself as the OC at Ohio St. It's a big time program so NIL won't affect them that much and you can control college player egos a bit more than NFL players.
 
Mangler said:
Chip Kelly as OC is intriguing as well! I completely forgot about him.
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He did not coach Stroud as 2024 was Kelly's first year but he definitely led that offense for Ohio State well. Kelly's offensive line coach also did pretty well with Josh Simmons and that's something to consider.
 
badboy said:
He did not coach Stroud as 2024 was Kelly's first year but he definitely led that offense for Ohio State well. Kelly's offensive line coach also did pretty well with Josh Simmons and that's something to consider.
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With the recruitment program they have, my dog would do a good job leading the offense at Ohio State. The have blue chip talent running out of their ears.

What is Kelly’s record in the NFL?
 
Marcus said:
With the recruitment program they have, my dog would do a good job leading the offense at Ohio State. The have blue chip talent running out of their ears.

What is Kelly’s record in the NFL?
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If I remember correctly, he's only been a head coach and not just an offensive coordinator; not sure of his record. I am more interested in his ability to coach up College kids in the pros and his innovative schemes which is why Ryan Day brought him into his program.
 
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