The Houston Texans are opting for continuity over change as they head into the 2026 season, choosing to retain most of their position coaches from last year. That includes quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, who had reportedly interviewed for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator vacancy earlier this offseason.
While the Texans are making a few internal adjustments - parting ways with tight ends coach Jake Moreland, assistant linebackers coach Ben Bolling, and offensive assistant Mike Snyder - the broader picture is one of organizational stability. And that decision, understandably, has sparked debate among fans and observers, particularly when it comes to Johnson and his role in the development of franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud’s Rise - and Recent Regression
Let’s be clear: C.J. Stroud has been a revelation since entering the league.
In each of his first three seasons, he’s thrown for over 3,000 yards and at least 19 touchdowns. His 2023 campaign - which featured over 4,100 passing yards - earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and put the league on notice.
But after that electric start, the narrative around Stroud has shifted.
In 2024 and 2025, his performance under pressure has raised concerns. The same poise and polish that defined his rookie year have been harder to spot. Instead, we’ve seen a quarterback who’s started to develop some troubling habits - turning the ball over in critical moments, missing easy check-downs, and bailing from clean pockets into unnecessary sacks.
To be fair, Stroud hasn’t exactly had a full deck to work with. Injuries have decimated his supporting cast in each of the last three postseasons.
In 2023, he lost rookie standout Tank Dell. In 2024, both Dell and Stefon Diggs were unavailable.
And in 2025, it was a full-blown offensive collapse - Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, Dell, and Joe Mixon all sidelined when it mattered most. That’s not just bad luck; it’s brutal timing.
The Coaching Factor
Still, not all of Stroud’s struggles can be chalked up to injuries. And that’s where the scrutiny on Jerrod Johnson intensifies.
As quarterbacks coach, Johnson’s job is to fine-tune mechanics, sharpen decision-making, and prepare Stroud for every in-game scenario he might face. When Stroud is throwing into double coverage or fumbling in the red zone, fans naturally start to question whether those fundamentals are being reinforced behind the scenes.
The 2025 postseason was especially rough. Across two playoff games - against the Steelers and Patriots - Stroud turned the ball over more than five times via interceptions and fumbles.
That’s not just a blip; that’s a pattern. And in a league where postseason margins are razor-thin, those mistakes can end a Super Bowl run before it ever really begins.
Why the Texans Are Staying the Course - For Now
Despite the noise, Houston is sticking with Johnson and the majority of its staff. Whether that’s a show of faith in their long-term vision or simply a bet on continuity, it’s clear that the Texans believe this coaching group can help Stroud get back on track.
There’s still a full offseason ahead, and seven months before the 2026 regular season kicks off. That’s plenty of time for tweaks, adjustments, and maybe even a change of heart if things don’t progress the way the organization hopes.
But for now, the Texans are keeping the band together - and betting that the same coaches who helped launch Stroud’s career can also help him recalibrate. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off if Johnson and his staff can reconnect their quarterback with the version of himself that once looked like the next big thing in the NFL.