As many expected, the Houston Texans have hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news, saying that Houston has signed Ryans to a six-year deal.
Former 49ers’ defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans reached agreement today on a six-year deal, per sources. Texans have their new head coach. pic.twitter.com/1CvFSLvZY5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2023
Ryans becomes the third head coach of the Texans in three years, replacing Lovie Smith, who was fired after replacing David Culley.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for Ryans, who was selected by Houston in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The linebacker was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and was selected for two Pro Bowls in six seasons with the franchise. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012 where he played four more seasons. Ryans then retired in 2016.
Almost immediately, Ryans transitioned into a coaching career. He was hired by the 49ers in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach. A year later, was promoted to inside linebackers coach in 2018. By 2021, he was named defensive coordinator. Ryans did well enough to interview with the Minnesota Vikings for their head coaching vacancy that offseason. In 2022, the 49ers’ defense was among the most dominant in the NFL. They finished No. 1 in DVOA, fifth against the pass, and second against the rush.
Ryans was a huge head coaching candidate this offseason and initially emerged as a leading candidate for the Denver Broncos job. However, the initial interview with Texans went so well that word leaked that it was a foregone conclusion they would hire him. And now they have.
The NFL world had a lot to say about the Texans hiring Ryans as their next head coach.
It might take a couple years, but I have a world of belief that Ryans is going to turn that team around. So excited for him and for Houston. https://t.co/6DKQ4M8wYc
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) January 31, 2023
Love the fact that it’s a six yr deal https://t.co/x5F2ZzMFUY
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) January 31, 2023
Let’s go man https://t.co/oSpXUkzCTx
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 31, 2023
Likely the best move the Texans have made in a decade.. https://t.co/rvSaEzL2LX
— Matt Thomas (@SportsMT) January 31, 2023
Good for DeMeco. Culture builder. I’d argue he’s the most impactful coordinator departure of the Shanahan era. https://t.co/uPRhfKGN4j
— Sean Jordan (@BaySean) January 31, 2023
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.