C.J. Stroud will remain in place with the Texans for 2026. He will have a new position coach for the first time in his career next season, though.
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A parting of ways between Houston and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson is set to take place, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Johnson had been on hand with the Texans since 2023, Stroud’s rookie campaign and the first with head coach DeMeco Ryans on the sidelines. Senior offensive assistant Jerry Schlupinski will take on a more direct role working with Stroud and the quarterbacks, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.
Schlupinski and offensive coordinator Nick Caley will work together to serve as an internal Johnson replacement, Wilson notes. He adds this decision was mutual, noting Johnson had already departed the Texans’ staff one week before the start of the ongoing NFL Combine. According to Wilson, Johnson – who worked with the Colts and Vikings prior to his Houston arrival – has a number of opportunities to consider as he explores his next coaching gig.
Stroud earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and helped lead the Texans to the divisional round of the playoffs in 2023. The team has reached that point of the playoffs each of the past two years, but Stroud’s level of play has drawn criticism over that span. Improved play at the receiver position and along the offensive line will be a goal for 2026. Upgrades on those fronts would be welcomed, but Stroud’s level of play in 2026 will be worth watching closely.
The former No. 2 pick is set to have his fifth-year option exercised this spring, although a long-term extension does not appear to be imminent. How Stroud manages to perform next season will thus be critical in informing how the team proceeds in his case. A pivotal 2026 campaign will take place with a new QBs coach in the fold.