Expectations are high for Texans HC DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco Ryans has found himself at the forefront of rebuilding the Houston Texans. 

The first-time head coach must rejuvenate a franchise that has won only 11 games over the past three seasons. During that time, they’ve had four different coaches.

The team hasn't made the playoffs since the 2019 season.

Texans fans have high expectations for a major turnaround led by Ryans, who coordinated an elite 49ers defense from 2021-22. 

Since the hiring of Ryans in January, the team has made several changes to the coaching staff. Former 49ers staffers have made the move to Houston, including Bobby Slowik, Cory Undlin, Stephen Adegoke and Nick Kray. 

Along with new personnel, the Texans and Ryans must make roster moves that will improve the team. 

Ryans and the Texans will have a big decision to make during the 2023 NFL Draft. They hold the No. 2 pick, and questions have been raised on which player will get the call. It seems most likely that the Texans will draft a quarterback. 

Debate has centered on Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. Whoever gets the call will lead an offense that ranked 31st in yards per game (283.5),  25th in passing yards per game (196.7) and 31st in points (17). 

With Ryans’ defensive coaching experience, it is safe to assume that an improved defense is also a priority.

 The 2022 Texans allowed 379.5 total yards per game, 29th in the league, and were worst in the league at stopping the run (170.2 yards ppg.). The team surprisingly held its own against the pass (209.3 ppg). 

Ryans and new defensive coordinator Matt Burke could make noise in free agency to improve the low-ranked defense. Houston could target two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, the impending free agent of the Bills. 

The 24-year-old has more than 100 tackles in five straight seasons since 2018. Pro Football Focus lists Edmunds as the second-best linebacker in free agency. 

The hiring of Ryans feels like a new era for Texans football. Now, Ryans and the rest of the franchise must make important decisions to turn a struggling franchise into a Super Bowl contender.