DeMeco Ryans has been hired by the Houston Texans to become their new head coach, the Associated Press has learned from a person familiar with the matter.
This source requested anonymity as no announcement has yet been made.
This is the first time Ryans has held such a position and this hire takes him back to where his playing career began.
Ryans has served as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. He replaces Lovie Smith, who was fired after a single 3-13-1 season.
“Leading the Texans is my dream job and my family is thrilled to be returning to Houston,” Ryans said. Football has always been a part of my life and I’ve always had natural leadership skills. I know what it takes to win in the NFL. »
“We are going to put together a program full of players with an exceptional work ethic and a mentality to work hard. I am aware of my responsibilities and I can’t wait to start the job. »
The 49ers defense led the NFL in giving up just 300.6 yards per game on average this season. The Niners were particularly effective against the rushing game, finishing second in the league in limiting their opponents to just 77.7 yards per game.
Conversely, the Texans’ defense was the worst against the run, averaging 170.2 yards allowed per game.
The Niners, after a 13-4 season, were eliminated in the National Championship game by the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.
The 38-year-old Ryans was drafted second-round linebacker by the Texans in 2006. He led the NFL with 126 tackles that season, before earning the Associated Press Most Rookie Award.
He spent his first six seasons with the Texans and was selected for the 2007 and 2009 Pro Bowls.
Ryans becomes the sixth head coach in franchise history, but the third in three seasons.
