Why DeMeco Ryans is the Perfect Coach to Turn the Texans Around
One team's loss is another team's gain.
That is exactly what the situation is for the San Francisco 49ers with defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans becoming the next head coach of the Houston Texans.
Much like when Robert Saleh was hired by the New York Jets as their head coach, the loss of Ryans is surely a stinging one. Replacing and losing Ryans is tough as the 49ers would've loved to have retained him, but they are definitely ecstatic for this opportunity for him. Ryans is more than deserving of it and it's been expected since before the 2022 season started. The work Ryans has done both as a leader and a schematic standpoint for the 49ers defense is impeccable.
This is what makes Ryans the perfect coach to turn the Texans around.
Houston has been in the slums for the last several years. They have been a lowly franchise that produces a mediocre product with questionable ethics in the front office. With Ryans stepping in as the head coach, a new era emerges to bring about change. A six-year deal is what Ryans has signed to, so there will be time given to him to bring this team out of the dumps.
It'll start with the leadership that will bring about a culture change. One that players and coaches can be proud of. Ryans' leadership with the 49ers is one that every player touts. Even if a player is playing poorly, Ryans isn't going to be the yelling and get in your face guy. He knows how to speak, which is a key trait in a leader. The Texans have been needing that as Ryans is someone who can command a room with ease. Becoming a respectable franchise is going to be a result of this leadership.
As for the product on the field, Ryans has some work to do with that. The defensive side of the ball should see the quickest improvement as that is where Ryans will meddle with the most. Houston's defense was quite tragic last year as they allowed a league worst 170.2 yards per game. That hasn't been done since the 0-16 Lions (172.1) in 2008. Not the greatest company to be in.
They were also the 27th ranked defense in points per game allowed. The 49ers this year gave up the least points per game at 16.8, so Ryans should be able to get the Texans improved in both facets. He will likely look to bring in upcoming free agents from the 49ers like Azeez Al-Shaair and/or Jimmie Ward.
The offensive side of the ball is where this gets interesting and it starts with the coaching staff. What kind of a staff will Ryans build? And how much say does he have with Nick Caserio being the embedded general manager?
If the Texans are smart, they will let Ryans choose his staff with little meddling from Caserio. Once that is finalized, then comes the part of actually adding talent to an offense that has no one notable outside of running back Dameon Pierce. Quarterback is their biggest question mark with Davis Mills clearly not starting material. Luckily for Ryans, he joins a team that has adequate draft capital and salary cap space.
Everything will be a process for Ryans as he attempts to turnaround a debacle of a franchise. But I can confidently say that Ryans will get this done and produce amazing results. Houston should feel fortunate that such a high-level person has taken up their head coaching mantle.
