Why Falcons Should Hire Texans' Bobby Slowik
Just when many were beginning to think the Atlanta Falcons' coaching search could be nearing its conclusion, they continued to turn over every stone before officially making their hire.
The latest stone to be turned is current Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who, after interviewing virtually with the Falcons on January 21, will be brought in person for another on Thursday, as reported by our own Daniel Flick Tuesday and now confirmed by NFL.com's Tom Pelissero.
Despite his youth at 36 years old, Slowik is one of the hottest names on the coaching market this offseason. After spending six seasons working under former Falcons offensive coordinator and current San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, Slowik has made a name for himself with the Houston Texans.
Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik smiles before the game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
After joining the Texans as the offensive coordinator, following former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryan to Houston, Slowik played a major role in their turnaround from three straight losing seasons to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth.
But how'd they do it?
For one, they found the right quarterback in former No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud. Under the guidance of Slowik, Stroud put together a season worthy of the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award. But two, once you get a quarterback, you have to utilize and develop him properly, which, judging by the Texans' results, Slowik did.
Stroud threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions while completing 63 percent of his passes in 15 games. Stroud's success directly correlated to the team, as the Texans offense ranked 13th in points per game, 15the in yards, and 10th in points per play.
Success on the field is one thing in these coaching searches, but finding it during interviews is another. It seems Slowik has found both, as evidenced by numerous reports, making him a prime candidate to become the Falcons' next coach.
