Nick Caley’s relationship with Houston Texans’ Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud could be the reason for the team’s triumph or downfall in 2026.
There were moments last fall when Stroud looked poised and in control. The were also moments he looked lost, including the postseason when he became the first quarterback to throw five interceptions and record at least six tunrovers.
But Caley’s mindset has to be on making sure Stroud is more relaxed and in control of his surroundings as the Texans enter a crossroads season. The bond is strong and only continues to improve ahead of a second year running the show.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with C.J.,” Caley said last week after OTA practices.”We always have transparent and honest conversations, but I think it’s like anything, year two, you’re always trying to dive deeper, to continue to expand those finer points of the relationship.
“He has great perspective on it. He sees the game really, really well. So I’ve had a blast being around him every single day, just like last year. And we’ve gotten to take it a step further, just more time on task, more time in the film room, more opportunities to evolve and do some different things here from an offensive standpoint, and it’s been a hell of a lot of fun.”
Stroud, who remains unsigned past his rookie contract, did improve in Year 1 of Caley’s system over Year 2 with Bobby Slowik. Under the new regime, the Texans’ offense ranked 18th in total yards and 13th in scoring. The main issue was the woeful and limited rushing attack, which deteriorated after Pro Bowler Joe Mixon was ruled out for the season with a lingering foot injury.
But everyone is a year wiser. Houston went out to fix the offensive line and upgraded its top running back by trading for David Montgomery from the Lions. Caley said that while the team is comfortable with the system, but his bigger takeaway has been on the eagerness from players to learn more about the concepts in-depth.
“The best thing I’ve taken from this spring is just a hungry, ambitious group of guys, coaches and players, that are all just trying to continue to get better and work together,” Caley said. “It’s been a good progression, and there’s still plenty… It’s still out in front of us. Got a ways to go, but I’ve been very, very pleased with where we’re at year two as opposed to a year ago.”
The Texans return to practice on Tuesday for the start of minicamp.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans OC Nick Caley breaks down relationship with C.J. Stroud, new look offense
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
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By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
