Houston Texans Hire Former All-Pro DeMeco Ryans As Eighth Head Coach in Franchise History
By Hunter Haas
The Texans have hired a familiar face as the new head coach. Niners’ defensive coordinator — and former Houston All-Pro linebacker — DeMeco Ryans is set to become the eighth head coach in team history and the youngest at 38 years of age.
DeMeco Ryans guided the No. 2 overall defense via PFF, with a top-five grade in run defense, tackling, pass rush, and coverage. He inherits a defense that ranked toward the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Nevertheless, there are a few building blocks on that side of the ball.
Rookies Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre had flashes of superstar play in year one, which should give Ryans a strong start to an elite secondary. On top of that, Houston has the No. 2, No. 12, and No. 33 overall selections in the 2023 NFL Draft… and it is a loaded draft class on defense.
As far as the offense goes, the offensive line boasts a few impressive pieces. Laremy Tunsil is aging but still playing at a high level, Tytus Howard is an underrated player, and 2022 rookie Kenyon Green looks promising.
Brandin Cooks will likely be traded this offseason, but Dameon Pierce and Nico Collins provide upside in the weapons department. Quarterback Davis Mills is not the long-term answer, but there is no guarantee that Houston goes with a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.
One possibility involves Jimmy Garoppolo following Ryans to the Lone Star State. The two have a connection during their time in the Bay Area; general manager Nick Caserio is from the Patriots tree, adding to the chances that Jimmy G takes over as the bridge signal-caller for 2023.
Signing Garoppolo accomplishes two things. It provides serviceable play behind center and allows the front office to attack other areas of the roster before committing to a rookie. We have seen it time and time again when a franchise gets overeager and forces the pick at quarterback. It almost always ends in disaster.
Not to say Houston shouldn’t draft a quarterback, but simply that it gives them the freedom not to take one. If there is anything we have learned about Ryans as a player and coach, it is his hunger for victory.
The Texans picked the correct guy to lead them into the future. Hopefully, DeMeco Ryans gets a longer leash than the past few head coaches. If he is shown patience, the franchise will reach new heights under Ryans. He is the type to change the culture in short order. Get ready, we are clear for lift-off!