NFL Head Coaching Predictions: Sean Payton Heads to AFC, Texans Reunite with a Familiar Face

As we work our way through the playoffs and toward the 2023 NFL Draft, five different teams are searching for a new head coach. Nearly all of these teams finished towards the bottom of the standings, and therefore will be selecting towards the top of the 2023 NFL Draft come April. Where does Sean Payton end up? Can the Texans finally find the right guy?

NFL Head Coaching Predictions: Sean Payton Heads to AFC, Texans Reunite with a Familiar Face

Will the Denver Broncos give up even more draft capital to make another splash by bringing in Sean Payton to pair with last season’s big move in Russell Wilson? Will Carolina, Houston, Arizona or Indianapolis opt for a familiar face? Or will they take a big swing to find the next up-and-coming coach? Let’s dive in, starting with the Texans.

Poised to select the future of their franchise at the quarterback position with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one would think that the Houston Texans would be searching for a young, offensive-minded head coach to pair with him. Although they have interviewed a couple such candidates, the majority of their reported interviews have been with guys on the defensive side of the ball.

It was rumored last year when the Texans hired veteran coach, Lovie Smith, that they were very impressed with Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon. Gannon has since led that defense to a 14-3 record, NFC East title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Now, one could argue that the team won more despite their defense than because of their defense, with them struggling to keep points off the board at times, landing in shootout after shootout. But Philadelphia was still top 10 in scoring defense, allowing 20.2 points/game in the regular season.

What really makes the Eagles defense stand out when evaluating the 2022 NFL season is the No. 1 ranking in sacks (70) and passing defense (179.8 yards/game allowed). Philly was still top half in the league in rushing yards allowed per game, but its prowess against opposing quarterbacks makes the coordinator gig highly sought after.

The Eagles had four different players with 11 or more sacks this season. Linebacker T.J. Edwards ranked seventh in the NFL in tackles, having a breakout season. C.J. Gardner-Johnson tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions. Darius Slay and James Bradberry both excelled as lockdown corners, and when you add in Avonte Maddox in the slot, the Eagles had three corners graded in the top 31 at the position, according to PFF.

If Gannon impressed the Texans brass a year ago, he certainly didn’t do anything this season that should turn them off. Houston has a few young pieces on defense that Gannon can get to play at a similar level, not to mention the amount of talent that will be added throughout the 2023 NFL Draft. As long as Gannon has a strong offensive coordinator lined up that can help develop a rookie quarterback, the Texans-Gannon pairing seems perfect.

My Texans Pick: DeMeco Ryans, Defensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers

This just seems like a match made in heaven. DeMeco Ryans was once a Houston Texans great at linebacker and could become a Houston Texans legend if he is able to turn the team around as the head coach.

Ryans has quickly risen up the coaching ranks, learning from the likes of the last 49ers defensive coordinator-turned-head coach, Robert Saleh. The Niners haven’t missed a beat under Ryans, leading the team to another playoff run this season. It is clear that Ryans can make things work even without a ton of big-name players scattered throughout the defensive side of the ball.

Ryans has played to the strengths of his stars in Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and even Dre Greenlaw and Arik Armstead. But what is most impressive is what the team has done with their secondary, lead by Jimmie Ward, Chavarious Ward and breakout, shocking All-Pro selection, Talanoa Hufanga.

San Francisco ranked first in the NFL in yards allowed per game (300.6), points allowed per game (16.3) and tied for second in the league with 30 takeaways. There is no question that Ryans’ defense can get the job done, regardless of who is on the field.

Hiring Ryans is not just a feel-good-story, pipedream. He is a legitimate, young head coaching prospect who can help a Texans defense that has struggled mightily for years since the J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, and Brian Cushing days. Ryans seems to be a great teacher and leader, and would prove to be a relatable coach who can truly impact and mold his players.