C.J. Stroud Heaps Praise on Steelers OC Candidate Jerrod Johnson

After molding C.J. Stroud to an impeccable rookie season, Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson has become a sought-after candidate for vacant offensive coordinator positions across the league. Johnson interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ OC position on Friday and then had a second interview in-person with the New Orleans Saints for their vacancy on Saturday. Johnson has also interviewed with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. All of those jobs remain open.

Johnson, a one-time Steelers preseason quarterback, is just 35 years old and the youngest and least experienced of the Steelers’ candidates identified so far. But his performance in helping develop Stroud into a bona fide star has made him a hot commodity in the offensive coordinator market.

Stroud spoke glowingly of Johnson when reflecting on his rookie season.

“I’ve known Jerrod since I was 16. I was in Elite 11 with him. He was my quarterback coach there,” Stroud said, via the Texans team website. “One thing I can say about Jerrod, you talk about somebody who knows how to play the position of quarterback and knows how to relay something, but also just a great person who loves football.”

Stroud, who is the presumptive NFL Rookie of the Year, rewrote the record books in 2023. He also led the Texans to a 10-7 record and a playoff win. First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans completely changed the culture in Houston after the team finished 3-13-1 in 2022. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik also had a big hand in Stroud’s development, which is why he’s being considered for NFL head coaching jobs. But Johnson’s role was just as impactful. He mentored Stroud before he even blossomed on the world’s stage.

“Jerrod’s one thing for me was ‘be confident.’ At the time, I wasn’t really the highest recruit. I wasn’t who I would become,” Stroud said. “I always knew that it would be a possibility, but I didn’t hear those type of drives. Jerrod’s someone I looked up to.”

“When he was like, ‘Man, you need to be more confident.’ It changed my life,” Stroud continued. “And fast forward, I’m here with him my rookie year, it’s a blessing to work with him. Whatever happens, I’m excited for him, and he deserves everything that’s coming for him.”

Mike Tomlin declared at his season-ending press conference that Kenny Pickett will remain the Steelers starting quarterback in 2024, but they will have some competition to challenge him. Tomlin simply said “yes” when asked if he believes the team’s starting quarterback for the 2024 season is on the roster currently.

Pickett needs a quarterback guru to help fix his flaws. With the remarkable job that he did with Stroud, Johnson could be the answer.