Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s impressive work in his first year calling the shots didn’t just catch the attention of the hometown fans. Teams across the league looked in his direction as the answer to their head coaching vacancies, and it’s hard to blame them.
Slowik took an offense that wasn’t expected to be competitive, headlined by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, and helped fuel Houston to the top of the AFC South. Stroud was phenomenal, limiting turnovers while aggressively threatening defenses downfield and between the numbers.
The Texans were effective, fun to watch, and winning over the hearts of fans around the country. Slowik’s decision to stay in Houston – complete with a boost in pay – keeps the offense on the right track.
Receiver Nico Collins, who broke out in Slowik’s offense, reacted to the news that his coordinator chose the Texans over a promotion with another team.
“Time to reload! Time to pick up where we left off,” Collins said. “It’s definitely a blessing, great having everybody back, man. Great team, great people to be around.”
Collins had broken out of the cast that his previous roles put him in. Instead of being used almost entirely as a boundary receiver meant to stretch the field and clear out windows for others, Collins saw his route tree expand as he moved across the formation. Slowik unlocked new ways to get his best receiver the ball and unleashed his skills after the catch that most did not anticipate.
In turn, Collins finished his season with career-highs in targets (109), receptions (80), yards (1,297), and touchdowns (eight). He multiplied each of his previous bests – his receptions, yards, and touchdown marks were better than his previous two seasons … combined.
After exceeding expectations, Houston is now entrenched among the AFC’s long list of competitors who boast strong quarterback play. The return of injured quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert, and Anthony Richardson is only going to make the road ahead more difficult, as will a first-place schedule and the offseason months giving coaches more time to prepare.
Collins seems ready to take that challenge on.
“I feel like it’s time,” Collins said. “Can’t wait ‘til everybody gets back for OTAs. Everybody enjoys this break but I feel like we’re all on a mission. It’s gonna be fun.”
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