Texans DeMeco Ryans on NFL Combine Process: 'I've Been in Their Shoes'
With the NFL combine officially underway, the Houston Texans' new coach DeMeco Ryans has a long offseason ahead of him.
Ryans had previously stated that his role with Houston — which reunited him with his former team — was his "dream job".
But now, his homecoming tour has come to an end and his sideline duties have begun.
The first-year head coach spoke at the combine Wednesday, giving praise to the San Francisco 49ers, where Ryans landed his first coaching gig in the NFL.
"I couldn't have asked for a better start on a coaching journey," Ryans said. "[Kyle Shanahan] has been outstanding in my development as a coach ... I thought I could just come in and start coaching, but I'm very thankful for Kyle teaching me that you can't miss steps.
"Going through the [quality control coach] phase into being a linebackers coach; hitting every step was the most important thing I could've done."
Every step of Ryans' coaching career took form during his tenure with the 49ers.
He started as a quality control coach, followed by a promotion to linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator under Shanahan.
San Francisco's high defensive performance only furthered his resume, which ultimately landed him at the pinnacle of his coaching career.
And now, Ryans intends to take that same mindset and apply it in Houston with his players.
"I've been in these guys' shoes," Ryans said. "I've played the game, I've been through the combine process ... I understand what players go through, not only on the field but off the field."
Finding guys that fit Ryans' vision for the team is a big to-do, but he made clear his first priority was on Houston, instead of reuniting with his former players.
“We’ll see [on bringing players over from San Francisco]," Ryans said. "But it’s about adding the right players for the Houston Texans."
Ryans also spoke on his relationship with the front office, namely general manager Nick Caserio, and the importance that it holds to team success.
"To do things and to be successful in this league, it's all about collaboration," Ryans said. "It's about putting egos to the side, [and] about truly working together."
And the duo of Caserio and Ryans seems to already be off to a good start.
"We see the game the same way," Ryans said. "We see players the same [as well], so it'll be nice to continue to work with him."
Whether it be his relationship with players, staff, or fans — Ryans' speech made two things clear for Texans fans: he is ready to work, and he feels that he is in an optimal position to do so.
"To be able to be a good coach, you have to connect with [players]," Ryans said. "It is not just about telling guys what to do, [it's] about being on a level ... where they have a true mutual respect for you, and feel like [you] have their best interests at heart."
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