
The Houston Texans hired DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach Tuesday.
Before spending six years with the San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff, including the last two seasons as their defensive coordinator, Ryans began his playing career in Houston. The team shared a video on Twitter of the former linebacker declaring his excitement to return.
“H-Town, I’m back,” Ryans said. “It’s great to be home. Go Texans!”
The team also posted a statement from Ryans calling this opportunity his “dream job.” He expressed confidence in his playing and coaching experience making him the right person to lead the franchise.
“We’re going to build a program filled with players who have a special work ethic and relentless mindset,” Ryans said. “I understand the responsibility I have to this organization and to the fans of Houston to build a winner and I can’t wait to get to work.”
The 49ers made the NFC Championship Game in each of Ryans’ two years as defensive coordinator and finished the 2022 season with the NFL’s top-ranked defense. He’ll look to carry over that success with the Texans, who have gone 11-38-1 in the last three seasons.
Having ranked 27th in points allowed in each of those seasons while finishing 30th or 31st in yards, the Texans found a defensive-minded head coach to right the ship. Ryans also may begin his tenure with a new franchise quarterback, as Houston holds the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL Draft.