Texans Part Ways With QBs Coach Jerrod Johnson, Ending Longtime Mentorship With C.J. Stroud

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UPDATE: After the initial publication of this article, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reported that senior offensive assistant Jerry Schuplinski and offensive coordinator Nick Caley will work in tandem to coach C.J. Stroud rather than the Texans hiring a direct replacement for Jerrod Johnson. With Schuplinski already on staff, the delayed timing of Johnson’s departure now makes more sense, as Houston may not have needed to make an immediate move and could have allowed Johnson time to explore other opportunities while maintaining continuity in the quarterback room.

The Houston Texans are making another change to their offensive coaching staff, as Adam Schefter reported that the team and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson have parted ways. The move comes after the organization conducted a broad offensive evaluation following the season, though the timing — nearly a month after their only previously announced coaching dismissal — raises questions about what prompted the delayed decision.

A Unique Bond With C.J. Stroud

Johnson’s departure is notable not just because of his role, but because of his long-standing relationship with franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Their connection dates back years before Stroud entered the NFL. Johnson coached Stroud during the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp while working as a counselor there, helping evaluate and mentor the nation’s top high school passers. Stroud has frequently credited that experience as formative in his development, and the two maintained a strong relationship throughout Stroud’s college career at Ohio State and into the NFL.

When the Texans drafted Stroud second overall in 2023, Johnson — a former NFL quarterback himself — quickly became one of the young signal-caller’s closest on-field allies. Stroud has spoken publicly on multiple occasions about his trust in Johnson, praising his ability to communicate concepts clearly, relate as a former player, and provide emotional support during the ups and downs of an NFL season.

By all accounts, their dynamic extended beyond a typical coach-player relationship into something resembling a mentorship and friendship.

Mixed Perception Among Fans

Despite that bond, Johnson’s role has been scrutinized.

Stroud delivered one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history in 2023, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and leading Houston to a playoff victory. However, expectations soared entering Year 2 & 3, and when Stroud’s performances showed inconsistency, many fans looked for explanations.

Because Johnson served as his position coach, some criticism was directed his way.

Questions surfaced about quarterback development, mechanical adjustments, and the offense’s ability to counter defensive adjustments around the league. While quarterback performance is influenced by many factors — including offensive line play, scheme, injuries, and supporting cast — position coaches often become lightning rods when a franchise passer struggles to meet sky-high expectations.

Still, there has been little public indication that Stroud himself was dissatisfied with Johnson.

Part of a Larger Offensive Review

Following the season, Houston conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its offense. At the time, the only announced dismissal was tight ends coach Jake Moreland in late January, with former NFL offensive lineman James Ferentz later hired as his replacement.

Johnson’s departure nearly a month afterward is unusual in typical NFL staffing cycles, when most changes occur in clusters immediately after the season ends. The staggered timing makes the move feel less like part of the initial shakeup and more like a secondary decision that developed later in the process.

Without official details, the delay invites speculation — whether it stems from ongoing internal restructuring, a shift in offensive direction, or circumstances specific to Johnson’s situation.

Until the organization provides further clarity, the reasoning behind the timing remains uncertain.

A Critical Adjustment Ahead

The immediate focus now shifts to how the Texans will handle quarterback coaching duties following Johnson’s departure. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the team is not expected to name a direct replacement at this time. Instead, offensive coordinator Nick Caley and senior offensive assistant Jerry Schuplinski will work in tandem with C.J. Stroud.

Schuplinski brings extensive quarterback experience, having coached with the New England Patriots from 2013 to 2018, where he worked with Tom Brady during multiple deep playoff runs. He later spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, working with Matthew Stafford, giving him a background mentoring veteran, high-level quarterbacks.

Caley also has familiarity with Stafford from his time on the Rams’ staff in 2024, creating a leadership duo with significant experience around elite NFL passers.

For a franchise built around its young quarterback, this approach signals that head coach DeMeco Ryans and the offensive leadership are prioritizing continuity and collaboration rather than a traditional single-position coach structure. The shared responsibility will require balancing technical development, scheme implementation, and the interpersonal support Stroud previously received from Johnson.

Just as important, both coaches will need to quickly establish and maintain Stroud’s trust as he enters a pivotal stage of his career.

What It Means for the Texans

Houston still views Stroud as the cornerstone of its future. Any staff move involving his development will be scrutinized heavily, especially after an offseason already filled with changes on the offensive side of the ball.

Johnson’s departure closes a chapter that began before Stroud ever took an NFL snap — a rare pre-draft relationship that carried into the professional ranks. While the on-field results of that partnership will be debated, the personal connection between coach and quarterback was undeniable.

Now, the Texans enter a pivotal phase: identifying the next voice who will help guide their franchise quarterback forward.

And until that hire is made, one of the biggest offseason questions in Houston remains unanswered.