4 head coach options for the Steelers if Mike Tomlin steps down

Steelers could hire Bobby Slowik

The Texans were a surprise team this year. Despite fielding one of the worst rosters over the past few seasons, this season saw them turn the ship around and get back on track. While landing a franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud made that job easier, the offense as a whole excelled under the leadership of Bobby Slowik.

Slowik followed now-head coach DeMeco Ryans from the 49ers to the Texans last offseason. He subscribes to a similar offense that Kyle Shannahan does, which allows him to get the most out of his players. That seemingly unfolded for the Texans this past year.

Stroud was an impressive prospect, but most expected a learning curve for the rookie. Instead, he settled into the starting role and looked like a grizzled veteran for most of the year. Many already view Stroud as a potentially elite quarterback (he played like that at times), so Slowik clearly got him on the right path early.

It wasn’t just quarterback though. Nico Collins went from a middling starter to a weekly threat. Tank Dell was an undersized, mid-round rookie who was suddenly making plays every week. Even cast-off Devin Singletary found new life in this offense, all the while the line was a weak spot and constantly injured.

Slowik has to be seen as a key reason for Stroud’s early success. He also showed the ability to get the most out of his other players on top of this. For a team that isn’t getting the most out of its talent and has quarterback questions, Slowik would make sense as a hire.