WATCH: DeMeco Ryans send message following landing first head coaching job
DeMeco Ryans had a short and simple message for Texans fans after being hired as Houston’s next head coach Tuesday. Shortly after the news was announced, the team’s Twitter account posted a video of Ryans expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.
“H-Town I’m back,” he said. “It’s good to be home. Go Texans!”
DeMeco Ryans was a standout linebacker for the Texans from 2006-11. He won Rookie of the Year in 2006 and made two Pro Bowl appearances (2007, 2009) in that span, recording 636 tackles (43 for loss), 8.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, eight fumbles recoveries and two interceptions. Now he returns to Houston as the Texans’ fourth head coach in as many seasons.
Ryans retired as a player in 2015 after four seasons with the Eagles, later joining the San Francisco 49ers staff in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach. The former Alabama standout worked his way up to linebackers coach by the next season and eventually defensive coordinator in 2021. The 49ers advanced to the NFC title game in each of the past two seasons, though they fell short both times.
This past season, San Francisco finished with the league’s top scoring defense, allowing just 16.3 points per game. The 49ers also tied for first in the league in interceptions (20) and ranked second in total turnovers forced (30).
Ryans has a tough task ahead of him, as Houston finished just 3-13 this past season and has not made the playoffs since 2019. His defensive prowess will be needed, as the Texans finished with the league’s worst rushing defense (170.2 yards allowed per game). No team has allowed over 170 rushing yards since the 0-16 Lions (172.1) in 2008. The Texans also have finished 27th in points allowed per game three seasons in a row.