DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans takes the field before the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the New England Patriots.
The Houston Texans may have willingly parted ways, but they surely did not want to see the latest development for Jerrod Johnson unfold as it did.
Johnson, the Texans’ quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons–including C.J. Stroud’s award-winning rookie campaign–was mutually parted ways with the organization as part of head coach DeMeco Ryans’ staff makeover this offseason.
He did not have to wait long to find a new NFL home, and it is a familiar one.
Ex-Texans Coach Lands With Eagles
Jerrod Johnson
GettyHouston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson takes the field before the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the New England Patriots.
“Former #Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson is joining the #Eagles’ coaching staff, source says. Johnson and Houston mutually parted ways so he could seek other opportunities. He heads to Philly to work alongside HC Nick Sirianni and new OC Sean Mannion,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on March 1.
“Johnson signed with the #Eagles in 2011 and was with the team for a brief stint. Like pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard, Johnson interviewed for the team’s OC job recently before Mannion was hired.”
The Texans replaced Johnson with incumbent staffer Jerry Schuplinski, who has also been with the team for several seasons.
For Stroud, who has praised Schuplinski, it is an adjustment more than an outright change.
Still, it looms large as he heads into the final season of his rookie contract in the second year under Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley, whose influence over the staff includes Schuplinski and even beyond Johnson’s replacement.
Likewise, Johnson landing with the Eagles is more than just an opportunistic moment for both sides.
Jerrod Johnson’s History With Eagles, Coaching Staff
Jerrod Johnson
GettyJerrod Johnson #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens.
Johnson’s history with the Eagles and Sirianni goes beyond his stint as an undrafted free agent in 2011, before they waived him during training camp that year. It dates back to 2019.
Johnson joined the Indianapolis Colts as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity coaching program.
“Then-Colts coach Frank Reich promoted Johnson to offensive quality control coach in 2020. Sirianni was Reich’s offensive coordinator for both of those seasons before the Eagles hired him as their head coach in 2021,” The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena wrote on March 1.
“Johnson also has ties to both the offensive system the Eagles intend to run in 2026 and a position coach they acquired in their staff overhaul.”
The ex-Texans coach had several stops as a player, but his career never took off.
Johnson, 37, also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Pittsburgh Steelers during his playing career. This opportunity certainly stands out for Johnson and the Eagles, but also the Texans.
Texans Must Overcome ‘Revenge’ Narrative
CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans reacts after losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Perhaps fittingly, Johnson and the Eagles will host Ryans, Stroud, and the Texans next season, though the exact date remains unclear. Still, Johnson’s changing sides is likely to be among the talking points heading into the contest.
The Eagles are coming off a down season by their standards, but still roster three-time Pro Bowler and 2024 Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts.
Stroud’s play in that contest will also be heavily scrutinized.
He will be under the spotlight even more than usual until the Texans make a long-term decision about his future one way or the other. How well Stroud adapts to life without Johnson could prove quite informative for the Texans.