'Changed My Life!' C.J. Stroud Details Relationship With Texans Coach Jerrod Johnson
Parity in the NFL is upheld through amalgamations of rules and tendencies. The best players eventually cost more, last year’s standings impact next year’s schedule, and the NFL Draft is in reverse standings order. Another driving force is older than the league itself: human ambition.
Position coaches want to become coordinators and coordinators want to become head coaches. With success, those promotions are bound to occur, whether it be a step up the ladder for a new organization or replacing a higher-up who's on to greener pastures.
That’s the challenge the Houston Texans will likely be faced with. After head coach DeMeco Ryans’ successful first year, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has made his rounds around the coaching carousel, interviewing with several teams. His would-be replacement, quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, has gotten offensive coordinator interviews with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Jun 12, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and quarterback Brady Quinn (10) do a drill following minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jerrod Johnson (1) stands behind Wilson and Quinn.
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Both potential promotions are well-deserved, and to be expected given the meteoric rise of No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud. Despite his draft capital, neither Houston nor Stroud were expected to compete this year. The Texans won a playoff game and Stroud is a near-lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
If Stroud’s 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns don’t get Johnson a raise, the relationships he’s helped cultivate will. In light of his interviews, Stroud spoke about his connection to Johnson, which dates back to his high school days in the Elite 11 competition.
“Jerrod’s one thing for me was like, ‘Be confident,’ Stroud said. “At that time, I wasn’t really the highest recruit. I wasn’t who I would become. Jerrod is someone I looked up to. When he was like, ‘Man, you need to be more confident,’ it changed my life.”
Stroud, of course, would go on to star for the Ohio State Buckeyes and compete for a national championship. He made an immediate impact on the passing offense once Justin Fields left for the NFL. He followed him to the professional ranks and has since outperformed him, despite the gap in experience.
Houston’s franchise quarterback was quick to credit Johnson for his ascension.
“From there, fast forward, and now I’m here with him my rookie year,” Stroud said. “It’s been just a blessing to work with him and, whatever happens, I’m excited for him, and he deserves everything coming for him. I’m super blessed to be able to work with him.”
Johnson, who spent a half-decade in the league as a practice squad quarterback, is now one of the hottest names on the assistant coaching market. With Stroud’s backing and the production to match, he’ll be a good-process hire whether it be in Houston or elsewhere.
