Houston Texans' Offseason Plan: A New Direction for the Offense and O-Line Overhaul

As the Houston Texans' season came to a close, the franchise is now looking forward to a pivotal offseason that could determine the trajectory of the team moving forward. While the defense showed promise, particularly with standout performances from pass rushers like Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, the offense struggled to meet expectations, and significant changes are on the horizon. The firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, as surprising as it may have been to some, marks the first step in a much-needed transformation of the team’s offensive unit. A glimpse into what’s needed to make a deep playoff push.

Bobby Slowik’s Firing: Surprising, but Warranted

The decision to part ways with Bobby Slowik was a tough one, but it was ultimately necessary for the growth of the Texans' offense. Slowik came into the season with high expectations after a promising first year as the play-caller, but his second year in Houston was filled with inconsistency. The Texans' offense, which was expected to take a major step forward with C.J. Stroud at the helm, struggled for large stretches of the season. While Stroud himself showed flashes of brilliance, his performance was often hindered by Slowik’s play-calling, which became increasingly predictable and stagnant as the season wore on. Slowik’s inability to adapt to opposing defenses and his failure to fully utilize Stroud's potential led to a season that saw far too many stalled drives and missed opportunities.

The firing of Slowik is a sign that the Texans are looking for a new direction. The offense’s lack of identity and the inability to create big plays consistently were major factors in the team’s struggles. In particular, Slowik’s playcalling often lacked creativity, especially in crucial moments when the offense needed a spark. With the departure of Slowik, the Texans will need to bring in a more innovative mind who can tailor the offense to Stroud’s strengths and get the most out of the playmakers at his disposal. As Houston looks to rebuild and revitalize its offense, finding a suitable replacement for Slowik will be one of the top priorities this offseason.

Offensive Line Overhaul: A Critical Step for Future Success

Perhaps the most glaring issue for the Texans throughout the 2024–25 season was the offensive line. While the defense made significant strides, the offensive line remained a weak link, consistently failing to protect Stroud and provide him with the time and space needed to make plays. Stroud was often under duress, leading to missed throws and a lack of rhythm in the passing game. This constant pressure on Stroud also limited the effectiveness of the running game, which struggled to find any consistency as the season progressed.

For the Texans to truly take the next step in their development, a complete overhaul of the offensive line is essential. The team will likely target several positions along the line in free agency and the draft, looking to bring in both veteran leadership and young talent. The Texans need to find a way to create a stable and cohesive offensive line unit that can protect Stroud, open up lanes for the running game, and give the offense more balance. With the right additions, the Texans could turn what has been one of their biggest weaknesses into a position of strength.

Several key positions along the offensive line need to be addressed, starting with the tackle spots, where the Texans struggled to protect the quarterback from edge rushers. Upgrading both tackle positions could provide Stroud with more time in the pocket to make throws and create a better environment for the passing game to flourish. Looking outside, Laremy Tunsil appears to be adequate, but his lack of effort glared and he was extremely penalized. In addition, the interior line also requires attention, particularly in terms of run blocking, to allow for more effective yardage on the ground.

A Bright Future Ahead: Building Around Stroud

Ultimately, the Texans' offseason plan must center around building a more complete offense that complements the strengths of C.J. Stroud. While Stroud had his fair share of growing pains during his second year, he showed enough promise to make the Texans believe he is their quarterback of the future. With the right changes to the offensive line and the addition of a more dynamic offensive coordinator, Stroud has the potential to lead this team to greater success. The key to success is building around your quarterback on a rookie contract and surrounding him with the right talent and coaching staff. 

As the Texans enter this offseason, they will focus on finding the right pieces to support Stroud and make the offense more explosive. Although Stefon Diggs suffered a major injury with an ACL tear, Diggs was producing with Stroud; he should be a focal point for bringing back. The Texans have their top two receivers recovering from catastrophic injuries to their knees, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell; however, they proved their worth, and it shouldn't worry them. Surrounding your superstar quarterback with weapons should be the team's priority, especially when he already has chemistry with them. 

With a more stable offensive line, the Texans can unlock Stroud’s full potential and allow him to develop into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. The firing of Slowik was just the first step in the rebuilding process, and the team will continue to make moves that set them up for future success. The team is actively looking into potential options, they requested an interview with former OC Brian Johnson, who is currently on Washington’s staff. He was in charge of a prolific passing offense as the pass game coordinator and the development of their rookie quarterback, a potential good piece to the coaching staff. 

With a strong defense, a promising young quarterback, and a revamped offense, the Texans are poised to be a competitive team in the near future. This offseason is crucial for laying the foundation for long-term success, and the decisions made in the coming months will determine just how far this team can go. The Texans' front office will need to be meticulous in their planning, and if they execute their offseason plan effectively, Houston could soon find themselves back in the playoff conversation, with a revamped offense capable of matching their defensive intensity.