Jan 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans walks off the field after defeating the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
The Houston Texans may have found their perfect match.
San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans is reportedly in prime position to secure the Texans’ head coach vacancy. With the Niners’ season coming to an end in the NFC Championship Sunday, the flood gates now open for interviews with Ryans this week, with a hire expected to take place soon after.
Ryans built up quite the resume for himself this year, coaching up a San Francisco defense that dominated in total yards allowed per game (1st), rush yards allowed per game (2nd), opposing QBR (5th), and sacks (11th).
It is the same defense that boasts three first-team All-Pros, including edge rusher Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Backer, and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Ryans was drafted by the Texans in the second-round of the 2006 draft, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year.
For San Francisco, losing assistant coaches isn’t new. The Miami Dolphins snagged current head coach Mike McDaniel last offseason and the Jets pulled away current head coach Robert Salah the year prior.
A potential Texans hire could jumpstart a massive rebuild for the franchise. Houston holds 11 picks in the upcoming draft, including two in the first-round (2nd, 12th).
Ryans has also garnered interest from the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts.
