Falcons Latest to Request Interview With Texans Coach Bobby Slowik

The Atlanta Falcons planning to meet with the Houston Texans offensive coordinator in the coming days after requesting an interview Thursday.

Bobby Slowik could be busy in the coming weeks regardless of Saturday's Wild Card Round outcome.

According to multiple reports, the Atlanta Falcons have requested to interview the Houston Texans first-year offensive coordinator for their head coaching position. Atlanta fired third-year coach Arthur Smith following a third consecutive 7-10 finish.

The Falcons are late to the party in the Slowik Sweepstakes, becoming the fourth franchise to submit a request for an interview. The Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders all requested interviews earlier this week.

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Slowik, 36, has been essential in Houston's seven-win turnaround in Year 1 of the DeMeco Ryans' era, mainly due to his work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The No. 2 overall pick became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000 yards (4.108) during the regular season, joining Andrew Luck, Justin Herbert, Cam Newton, and Jameis Winston.

Stroud completed 64 percent of his passes and totaled 23 touchdowns against five interceptions. The favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud is third in the NFL in explosive plays of 20 yards or more.

His 100.8 passer rating ranks fourth among passers behind San Francisco's Brock Purdy (113.0), Baltimore's Lamar Jackson (102.7), and Miami's Tua Tagovailoa.

In his first year as a play-caller, Slowik revamped Houston's offense into one of the league's more consistent units a year removed from one of its worst finishes. Under Pep Hamilton, the Texans ranked 31st in total yards (283.5) and scoring (17 points per game).

Under Slowik, Houston ranked 12th in total yards (342.4) and 14th in scoring (22.2 points per contest). The Texans also ranked seventh in passing (245.5 yards per game) despite being limited at the receiver position.

Slowik acknowledged Wednesday that he knew of the potential openings and said he was thankful for the consideration, but his attention is on Houston's current playoff matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

“We’re locked in on Cleveland," said Slowik. "We’re full speed ahead, kind of keeping our head down in the darkness. All that stuff, I’m very grateful. I’m very thankful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity, thankful to (GM) Nick (Caserio) and DeMeco and this organization for putting me in this position. But right now, I’m a Houston Texan. I’m part of this organization, and I’m going to do everything I can to help us (beat) Cleveland.”

Slowik began his career in Washington as a defensive assistant in 2010 under Mike Shanahan. He'd later join Kyle Shanahan's staff in San Francisco in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach before working his way up the ladder to run-game coordinator prior to his departure to Houston.

The Falcons are different from most teams looking for a new Commander-in-Chief. The offense features solidified weapons in receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and running back Bijan Robinson that could make them an overnight contender.

Ryans Gives Slowik Advice Amid Coaching Carousel

One positive from Atlanta's 2023 season was its defensive turnaround. After finishing 27th in total yards (362.1) and 23rd in scoring (22.7 points per game), the Falcons hit their stride under coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Atlanta finished 11th in yards allowed (321.1), eighth against the pass (202.9) and 17th in scoring (21.9).

The Falcons currently hold the No. 8 and are expected to target a quarterback. Early names that come to mind, excluding USC's Caleb Williams, include Drake Maye (North Carolina), Jayden Daniels (LSU), Bo Nix (Oregon), and Michael Penix Jr. (Washington).

Ryans, a favorite to win Coach of the Year, garnered buzz on the head coaching market after his first season as the 49ers defensive coordinator, though he decided to remove his name from all consideration and return for Year 2.

Ryans was asked Tuesday if he had any advice for Slowik. He offered up two words of wisdom.

“Be selective,” he said. “You only get one opportunity to do it, and you want to make sure you’re selective and that you’re going to – if you get the opportunity – going to a place that you feel like you can be effective.”

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said that while there is no timetable in the hiring process, Atlanta would have to move swiftly with seven other franchises needing coaches.

"The only timetable is to do this correctly, take our time, be thoughtful, do all of the interviews, be respectful, make sure we have a full diverse set of candidates that we’re considering in every way," Blank told reporters in Atlanta.