On the heels of the Denver Broncos hiring Sean Payton, the Houston Texans have also filled their head coaching vacancy, hiring former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to a reported 6 year contract. Ryans, 38, a former linebacker, returns to the team who drafted him in the 2nd round, where he went on to win defensive rookie of the year and made 2 pro bowls.
Ryans began his coaching career in 2017 as the 49ers defensive quality control coach, and was elevated to defensive coordinator by the 2021 season after the departure of Robert Saleh to the Jets. Ryans interviewed for the Vikings head coaching position last offseason but declined a 2nd interview, opting to return to a strong 49ers defense that had Super Bowl aspirations. While they came short of that goal, Ryans was in charge of one of the best defensive units in the league, making him an attractive name for available coaching positions for the 2023 season. He was heavily linked to the Broncos job, and interviewed for openings in Carolina and Indianapolis as well.
Houston ended a 3 week search after firing first year coach Lovie Smith on January 8th, making Ryans their 4th head coach in 4 seasons. After years of disappointment, Ryans will take over a team that finished the 2022 season 3-13, just barely missing out on the 1st overall pick in the upcoming rookie draft. He will be tasked with improving a league worst run defense, and a roster generally littered with holes and under-performers.
The Texans are well positioned to begin a full roster rebuild as, along with their 2nd overall pick that will likely yield them their new starting quarterback, they own the Browns 12th pick, and 5 picks in the top 73 overall. Houston is also armed with the 5th most cap space entering the 2023 offseason, making a full roster turnover a real possibility.
We have completed additional discussions with DeMeco Ryans regarding our head coaching position. pic.twitter.com/K3czaFJ16N
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 31, 2023
While the Texans have historically had trouble signing big name free agents the hiring of Ryans gives them a name that players can trust, as multiple NFL stars have spoken highly of the former Niners DC including newly retired defensive end JJ Watt. His latest comments sparked conspiracy enthusiasts’ beliefs that Watt would un-retire to play for his former teammate and friend.
While Ryans certainly has his work cut out for him in Houston, the potential for starting over with young talent at key positions while complimenting that with some valuable veteran free agent signings leave Ryans in a desirable position entering the 2023 offseason.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: Ed Schipul. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.