From 2006 to 2011, DeMeco played Ryan’s linebacker for the Houston Texans – now the 38-year-old is back in a new role: Ryans is taking over the Texans as the new head coach.
After leading the San Francisco 49ers’ highly successful defense as defensive coordinator for the past two years, Ryans has now been rewarded with the Texans making him their new head coach and handing Ryans a six-year contract.
After two head coaches, David Culley and Lovie Smith, were fired one after the other after just one season, the Texans are indicating with this contract that they now seriously want to build something long-term.
Team owner Cal McNair said in a statement: “DeMeco is everything we’re looking for in a leader and coach for our organization for so many reasons. He has shown in San Francisco that he can develop players at the highest level and constantly evolve his scheme. “
Both sides had their first meeting on January 20th, on Tuesday, after the San Francisco 49ers were eliminated from the playoffs, there was a second meeting – and the contract was sealed.
Ryans: “Knows what it takes to win”
Ryans himself said in a statement: “Being the head coach of the Houston Texans is my dream job and my family is really looking forward to returning to Houston. I’ve spent my entire life around football and I’ve always had a natural gift to lead others. I know what it takes to win games and to be successful in this league, as a player and as a coach.”
He also wants to “build a program full of players who show special commitment and work tirelessly. I understand my responsibility to this organization and to the fans in Houston to build a winning team and I can’t wait to get started.”
The starting position is given: The Texans have two picks in the first round in the upcoming draft, number 2 and number 12 overall. Most pundits assume Houston will be trying to find his quarterback early in the draft.
