5 potential replacements for Jaguars HC Doug Pederson if things go sideways in 2024
4. Bobby Slowik, Texans offensive coordinator
An old adage says that if you can beat them, poach them from your division foes, or something along those lines. That should be the philosophy the Jacksonville Jaguars employ in case they move on from Doug Pederson next season. It's not a given that they will. In fact, there are currently no reports it will happen but they surely will consider doing so if there's a repeat of the 2023 season. If it comes to that, they should look at Bobby Slowik and what he's accomplished with the Houston Texans as the offensive coordinator.
Last year, the Houston Texans were flying under the radar. Nobody would have batted an eye if you said they would win just two or three games. Conversely, you would've gotten a blank stare if you had rightfully predicted that they were going to make the playoffs. Coming off a year in which they mustered three victories, Houston had a first-time head coach in DeMeco Ryans. Similarly, they had a rookie quarterback starting behind center. Simply put, there was too much uncertainty surrounding them to make any guarantees.
When the Texans started 0-3, it looked like another losing season was on the way. But then, they started winning, and by the end of the year, they had successfully completed a turnaround, displacing the Jags as the AFC South No. 1 team. One big reason for their success was Slowik, who was in charge of ensuring C.J. Stroud was in a position to succeed.
Stroud met expectations and then some, completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 4,109 yards with 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. The former Ohio State Buckeye wasn't the only player who thrived under Slowik though. Running back Devin Singletary also posted career numbers while wide receiver Tank Dell had an impact right off the bat. Tight end Dalton Schultz was his reliable self as well, hauling in 59 receptions for 635 yards with five touchdowns.
What's more impressive is that Slowik managed to get the Texans going even though the offensive line left much to be desired. Not surprisingly, he got interviews for a handful of openings. However, he's stayed put and got a hefty raise along the way. Another successful season and he'll be on most team's short list of head-coaching candidates.