'I’m a Houston Texan': Bobby Slowik Focused On Playoffs, Not Interviews
Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is a hot candidate among the league's eight head coaching vacancies. The Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders have requested to speak with Slowik, and more will follow.
Coach DeMeco Ryans, who was in the same position a year ago, shared advice to Slowik when seeking a head coaching job.
However, despite the interest, Slowik's top objective is coming up with an offensive game plan to help the Texans advance past the Wild Card round of the 2023 playoffs by defeating the Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon.
Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik smiles before the game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
"I’m a Houston Texan," Slowik said. "I’m part of this organization and I’m going to do everything I can to help us win Cleveland. Everyone’s energy right now in this organization is devoted to, ‘how do we play one more game?’ How do we keep playing just one more game?
"We really have, what I believe is a special group of individuals...Just find a way to get four more games out of this — that’s really what all of us are devoted to."
In his first season at the helm as the Texans' offensive play-caller, Houston's offense improved dramatically under Slowik. They finished the regular season ranked 12th in yards, averaging 342.4 and scoring 22.2 points.
But what has made Slowik a top coaching candidate has been his work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The 36-year-old offensive coordinator helped Stroud put together one of the best seasons by a rookie quarterback in his first year under center.
During his time as the offensive passing game coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, Slowik received credit for the development of Brock Purdy.
"It’s really easy to handle right now — we’re locked in on Cleveland," Slowik said. "We’re full speed ahead, kind of keeping our head down in the dark. All of that stuff, I’m very grateful. I’m thankful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity. I’m thankful to Nick [Caserio] and DeMeco [Ryans] and the Texans organization for putting me in this position."
Slowik said he hasn't thought about whether or not he will accept any of the interview requests. Other coaching vacancies in addition to the Commanders and Panthers are the Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans.
