The Houston Texans have announced a significant change in their offensive coaching staff as they approach the 2026 offseason. Jerrod Johnson, who served as the Texans' quarterbacks coach since 2023, and the organization have mutually parted ways after three seasons together.
While the Texans have yet to release an official statement, multiple media reports, including ESPN's Adam Schefter and USA Today's Texans Wire, confirm the separation as amicable. Johnson's tenure was marked by his instrumental role in developing the team's quarterback room during a time of team resurgence.
Jerrod Johnson's Impact in Houston
Jerrod Johnson joined the Texans in 2023, bringing with him a strong pedigree as both a former Texas A&M quarterback and a developing coach known for his work with quarterbacks at collegiate and professional levels. His reputation as a detailed and communicative coach aligned well with the Texans' organizational goals, especially as young quarterback C.J. Stroud was establishing himself as a premier talent.
Johnson's coaching was pivotal in Stroud's record-setting rookie season and overall development. While offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik managed play-calling duties, Johnson was the daily mentor focusing on Stroud's mechanics, defensive reads, and the intricacies of the NFL passing game. Stroud's immediate success, including an Offensive Rookie of the Year award and a playoff victory, bore Johnson's influence.
Additionally, Johnson managed and developed the quarterback room's backups, including veterans Davis Mills and others, contributing significantly to the overall quarterback group's cohesion and growth.
The phrase "mutual parting" often suggests that Johnson, now 37, may be seeking a bigger role, potentially an offensive coordinator position elsewhere, which the Texans currently cannot guarantee. The organization is understood to respect his ambitions while desiring a fresh approach to maintain offensive growth.
Incoming Quarterbacks Coach: Jerry Schuplinski
The Texans reportedly plan to promote Jerry Schuplinski to serve as the new quarterbacks coach. Schuplinski has extensive experience, having started his NFL coaching career in 2013 with the New England Patriots, where he served as an offensive assistant and assistant QB coach for six seasons. During that time, he worked closely with elite quarterbacks Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Following his Patriots tenure, Schuplinski served as quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and the New York Giants in 2021 before joining the Texans in 2023 as an offensive assistant on DeMeco Ryans's inaugural staff.
This promotion signals a commitment to continuity within the Texans' offensive structure, maintaining the foundation laid by Johnson and coordinator Bobby Slowik. Schuplinski is known for a detail-oriented, system-driven coaching style that aligns well with the Texans' offense, which draws conceptual influence from the Erhardt-Perkins system and the Kyle Shanahan offensive philosophy.
For C.J. Stroud, this change introduces a new lead QB coach but not an unfamiliar face. Schuplinski has been part of the Texans' coaching staff throughout Stroud's entire NFL career, facilitating a smooth transition. His experience with diverse quarterback styles--from Brady's pocket mastery to more mobile QBs like Garoppolo--positions him to aid Stroud as he seeks to refine his game further, particularly in areas such as defensive disguise recognition and situational leadership.
Context and Future Outlook for the Texans
The timing of this coaching change is significant as the Texans prepare to build on a breakthrough 2024 season that included a deep playoff run, followed by a 2025 campaign that fell short of aspirations. The quarterback coach plays a crucial role in the development of a franchise quarterback, and the Texans' decision to change personnel at this position emphasizes a desire to enhance rather than overhaul.
This move indicates that the Texans are largely satisfied with their offensive philosophy but are searching for a different dynamic in the quarterback meeting room--a dynamic Schuplinski is expected to provide.
Stroud, approaching his prime and eligibility for a lucrative contract extension, benefits greatly from having a QB coach with Schuplinski's pedigree and familiarity with the team's system. The Texans' front office appears confident that promoting from within balances stability with fresh leadership.
For Johnson, his next move in the NFL coaching landscape will be closely watched. With his proven track record, including mentoring one of the league's most promising young quarterbacks, he is likely to be linked to offensive coordinator openings around the league, reflecting his upward trajectory in the coaching ranks.
Conclusion
As the NFL coaching carousel turns into late February 2026, the Texans' decision to part ways with Johnson and promote Schuplinski is a critical staff change. It maintains stability within the quarterback room while offering new leadership and possibly fresh ideas.
The ultimate test of this transition will come on the field during the 2026 season. The Texans and their fans will be watching closely to see if Schuplinski can build upon Johnson's foundation and help C.J. Stroud reach greater consistency and success.
The Texans now begin the next chapter in their quarterback development, trusting a familiar presence to guide the franchise's most valuable player. Meanwhile, Jerrod Johnson embarks on what promises to be an exciting next phase of his coaching career.