Buccaneers Request Interview With Texans QB Coach Jerrod Johnson
Jerrod Johnson was influential in the development of Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and is now garnering interest from several rosters for a promotion.
According to KPRC2 Houston, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have requested for an interview with the Texans quarterback coach for their open offensive coordinator position. Former offensive coordinator Dave Canales recently was named head coach of the Carolina Panthers after helping the NFC South franchise clinch the division title under Baker Mayfield.
Johnson recently interviewed for the second time with the New Orleans Saints for their offensive coordinator vacancy Saturday afternoon. He also interviewed for the open offensive coordinator positions with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, but both positions have since been filled.
Jun 12, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and quarterback Brady Quinn (10) do a drill following minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jerrod Johnson (1) stands behind Wilson and Quinn.
Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson, 35, built a relationship with Stroud dating back to their time at the Elite 11 camps while he was in high school. Stroud, the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, cited Johnson as a trusting voice and vital mentor toward his growth.
“One thing that I can say about Jerrod, you talk about somehow who knows how to play the position of quarterback and knows how to relay something, but also just a great person, man,” Stroud said. “A guy who loves football, he loves Houston, he loves Texas. He loves his family, he’s a great family man. Someone who has just taught me a tremendous amount of information, but on top of that, put a lot of confidence into me as well.”
Stroud eventually blossomed into one of the top passers in the state of California. He would later start two seasons at Ohio State, guiding the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2022.
Drafted second overall, Stroud, a two-time Heisman finalist, became the fifth rookie quarterback in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards during his first season. He completed 64.5 percent of his throws for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against five interceptions.
Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to lead the league in passing yards per game (273.9) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5) in a single season. He also became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game (22) to win a playoff game with his 45-14 victory over the Browns earlier this month.
Stroud began his career with an NFL record of 191 passes without an interception and finished the season with 198 passes without an interception. He also joined Sammy Baugh, Dak Prescott and Brock Purdy as the fourth rookie passer to throw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns in a playoff game.
"You can’t talk about C.J.’s success without talking about Jerrod, and what he was able to do, the relationship he had with him,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Just being there for him as a position coach. Teaching him, guiding him along the way – Jerrod is one of the reasons why C.J. had a successful year.”
Johnson, a former standout quarterback at Texas A&M, began his coaching career with the San Francisco 49ers under a Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship. He later spent time on staff with the Indianapolis Colts (2019-2022) and the Minnesota Vikings (2022) before reuniting with Ryans in Houston.
The Texans finished with an 11-8 overall record in 2023 under Ryans and the first-year staff. Houston will select No. 23 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25.
