Texans Fire Quarterback Coach After Playoff Run

The Houston Texans part ways with quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson following a successful season with star QB C.J. Stroud.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:35pm

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The Houston Texans have fired quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, who had worked closely with Pro Bowl QB C.J. Stroud since the young star's rookie season in 2023. Stroud had a meteoric rise, breaking several rookie passing records and leading the Texans to a division title and playoff appearance in his first year. Over the past two seasons, Stroud has continued to excel, guiding the team to two more playoff berths. Johnson's dismissal comes as a surprise, given the quarterback's success under his tutelage.

Why it matters

The decision to part ways with Stroud's longtime position coach raises questions about the Texans' plans for their young franchise QB. Johnson was widely credited with Stroud's rapid development, so his sudden departure could signal a shift in the team's offensive strategy or philosophy. This move also comes on the heels of the Texans' latest playoff exit, adding to the uncertainty around the team's direction.

The details

Jerrod Johnson had been the Texans' quarterbacks coach since 2023, helping turn Stroud into the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection. Prior to joining Houston, Johnson spent one season as an assistant QB coach with the Minnesota Vikings and two years as an offensive quality control coach with the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans have already found Johnson's replacement, promoting senior offensive assistant Jerry Schlupinski to coach Stroud in tandem with new hire Nick Caley.

  • Jerrod Johnson was fired by the Texans on Thursday, a little over a month after the team's division round playoff loss to the New England Patriots.
  • Johnson had been the Texans' quarterbacks coach since 2023.

The players

C.J. Stroud

The Houston Texans' Pro Bowl quarterback who had a meteoric rise in his rookie season in 2023, breaking several passing records and leading the team to a division title and playoff appearance.

Jerrod Johnson

The former Texans quarterbacks coach who had worked closely with C.J. Stroud since the young star's rookie season, helping him develop into a Pro Bowl QB.

Jerry Schlupinski

The Texans' senior offensive assistant who will now coach C.J. Stroud in tandem with new hire Nick Caley.

Nick Caley

The new hire who will coach C.J. Stroud alongside Jerry Schlupinski following the departure of Jerrod Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“'Senior offensive assistant Jerry Schlupinski steps in to coach C.J. Stroud in tandem with Nick Caley, per a source @KPRC2.'”

— Aaron Wilson, KPRC Reporter (KPRC)

What’s next

The Texans will need to ensure a smooth transition for C.J. Stroud as he adjusts to working with new position coaches Jerry Schlupinski and Nick Caley. The team's decision to part ways with Jerrod Johnson, who was widely credited for Stroud's rapid development, will be closely watched as the Texans look to build on their recent playoff success.

The takeaway

The Texans' surprising decision to fire quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, who had been instrumental in C.J. Stroud's rise to stardom, signals a potential shift in the team's offensive strategy and philosophy. This move comes on the heels of another playoff exit, adding to the uncertainty around the Texans' long-term plans for their young franchise QB. The team will need to ensure a smooth transition as Stroud adjusts to working with new position coaches.