A top NFL insider seems confident that the Houston Texans will eventually name San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as their next head coach.
49ers coordinator DeMeco Ryans is one of the hottest head coaching candidates in the NFL currently. And it is understandable, as the two-time Pro Bowler has helped mold the San Francisco defense into one of the most formidable forces in the league over the last two years.
The team reached the NFC Championship last season and is making a second straight appearance in the conference title game on Sunday, in no small part, to the outstanding performance of the defense throughout the regular season and into the NFL playoffs.
Also Read: Sean Payton out as Denver Broncos candidate after issues during interview
While Ryans has reportedly been a top contender for head coach openings with the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans, a new report suggests he may have fallen out of the running for one job, but is now a favorite to land the other.
DeMeco Ryans likely to be Houston Texans’ next head coach
On Friday, NFL Network league insider Ian Rapoport gave an update on the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos coaching search. The 49ers coordinator was seen as a contender for both, however, it seems that his current schedule may lead to him landing in Houston — the team he played six seasons for — instead of Denver.
“DeMeco Ryans, the 49ers defensive coordinator — the architect of the NFL’s best defense — has emerged as a top candidate for the Houston Texans. Now that is one part of the situation. The other part is the Denver Broncos, who also viewed DeMeco Ryans as a top candidate [and] have kind of moved their attention elsewhere.
“Ryans wants to meet with the Texans after his game is over, sometime next week. That timeline does not work for the Denver Broncos. They’d like to move, maybe, a little bit quicker so they are looking elsewhere. Which does seem to free Ryans up to continue to have conversations with the Texans. If all goes well, do not be surprised if he ends up the head coach of the Houston Texans.”
– Update on Broncos and Texans head coach search
Ryans’ Pro Bowl seasons in 2007 and 2009 came as a member of the Texans roster. That is why it is fitting for the 38-year-old’s first head coaching opportunity to come with the team he once starred for. The fact that the organization is willing to wait to talk to him instead of moving on like the Broncos, shows how highly they regard his talents and confirms his status as a serious candidate for the opening.
On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers made Frank Reich their new head coach. The NFL veteran was the teams starting quarterback during their inaugural season in 1995.