One of the best coaching candidates in this hiring cycle is quickly emerging as a good bet to fill one of the four current head coaching vacancies in the NFL. DeMeco Ryans, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, who are preparing to play in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, has interviewed for all four vacancies.
Ryans’ who’s been building his coaching résumé since 2017, led the NFL’s best defense this past season, holding opponents to just 16.3 points per game. But the 49ers appear in danger of losing their top coordinator once their season concludes.
The latest NFL coaching rumors point to Ryans being a finalist for both the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans’ vacancies, according to multiple sources at NFL Network.
The Texans are a fascinating fit, thanks to Ryans playing six seasons in Houston, and becoming a two-time Pro Bowl linebacker. If the Texans have any questions about whether their fanbase will rally behind whoever they hire to be the team’s next head coach, Ryans would not only be the safest option, but he may also be the most qualified.
Related: Kyle Shanahan adds fuel to DeMeco Ryans rumors ahead of NFC Championship Game
DeMeco Ryans to visit with Houston Texans next week
As Ian Rapoport notes, the Texans are slated to meet with Ryans sometime next week, following San Francisco’s NFC Championship battle with the Philadelphia Eagles. If the 49ers win, they will have two weeks off, with the NFL celebrating the Pro Bowl the weekend after Sunday. Obviously, if the 49ers lose, Ryans will have all the time in the world to continue interviewing with Houston, Denver, or whoever else may still be interested in his services.
Coaching vacancies still exist in Arizona, Denver, Houston, and Indianapolis. Yet, for now, it appears both Denver and Houston represent the frontrunners to hire Ryans, one of the NFL’s rising stars in the coaching industry.