DeMeco Ryans to interview with Texans

Despite reports to the contrary last week, it appears Ryans will interview with the Houston Texans this week.

Last week, reports indicated that San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans had no interest in the Houston Texans head coaching vacancy. This week that may not be the case.

According to a tweet sent by NFL insider Adam Schefter Ryans is expected to interview with the Texans before the Niners’ playoff game Sunday.

Ryans is expected to have a heavy interview schedule, interviewing with the Texans, Colts, Broncos, and Cardinals between Thursday and Sunday, starting with Denver.

Ryans has a long history with the Texans, some good and some not. He was a star player after being drafted by Houston with the 33rd overall pick, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006. He was Pro Bowler and All-Pro for Houston before he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

With the Eagles, he suffered a career-altering Achilles tear in a game played at NRG Stadium in 2014. He would later sue the team and the league for $10 million over the notoriously poor grass playing surface at NRG Stadium. The playing surface at NRG Stadium was replaced with a new artificial surface during the 2015 season.

Ryans has become a star defensive coordinator in San Francisco since taking over the position following the departure of former Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to become the head coach of the New York Jets in January 2021.