The Baltimore Ravens kicked off the NFL divisional round on Saturday with a dominant 34-10 win over the Houston Texans. It was a surprisingly close game in the third quarter before Baltimore scored 24 unanswered points to end Houston’s amazing bounceback season.
The Texans had won 11 games combined over the past three seasons, but new coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud took Houston from worst to first in 2023, with the Texans winning the AFC South and a wild-card playoff game.
While Ryans and Stroud receive most of the credit for Houston’s success — and rightfully so — offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was another essential element. The first-year offensive coordinator helped turn around Houston’s offense, which finished 31st in offensive DOA in 2022, per FTN, to 14th in 2023.
Slowik’s success in helping turn around Houston’s offense, developing Stroud, and his pedigree — he’s a Kyle Shanahan disciple and the son of a former longtime NFL coach — have him popular on the coaching carousel in 2024.
Several teams have requested interviews with Slowik for their head coaching vacancies. Last week, Slowik had virtual interviews with the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers.
On Sunday, Slowik will interview with the Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks, and Atlanta Falcons. With six head coaching positions currently open, Slowik, at 36 years old, stands a good chance of landing his first job soon.
Texans OC Bobby Slowik plans to interview for the Falcons, Commanders and Seahawks jobs tomorrow, per source, with Houston set to play in Baltimore this afternoon.
Slowik has already met with the Titans and Panthers.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 20, 2024
The Commanders have already interviewed Anthony Weaver (Ravens), Mike MacDonald (Ravens), Dan Quinn (Cowboys), Raheem Morris (Rams) and Ben Johnson (Lions). Washington also requested permission to interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
How will new general manager Adam Peters impact Washington’s coaching search? Could Peters expand the candidate list since taking over last week? As it currently stands, Johnson and Slowik are the only offensive coaches on Washington’s interview list. However, Peters said the most important trait he was looking for in the head coach wasn’t a specific side of the ball but leadership.
Slowik began his NFL coaching career in 2011 as a defensive assistant for Washington under Mike Shanahan. He remained in that role for three seasons.
