DeMeco Ryans, a revered figure in Houston since his early playing days, has made a remarkable impact in his first year as head coach of the Texans. Known as ‘Cap’ after joining the expansion team in 2006, he quickly became a defensive standout, earning the title of defensive rookie of the year and guiding the Texans to their first playoff appearance in 2011.
Returning to Houston as head coach, Ryans has revitalized the team, sparking optimism for a postseason return. The Texans had struggled to surpass four wins per season since 2019 under previous one-and-done head coaches David Culley and Lovie Smith.
Ryans, who honed his coaching skills under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, played a crucial role in shaping the 49ers’ top-ranked defense last season.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the young Texans team during his unveiling in February, Ryans emphasized his commitment to building a winning program.
Despite initial skepticism, the Texans’ current record stands at 5-4 after a recent victory over Cincinnati, positioning them favorably for a potential wild card spot.
The team’s success can be attributed to diverse wins against teams with winning records and the ability to secure close games.
Key factors contributing to their season include the trade that sent quarterback Deshaun Watson to Cleveland in March 2022, bringing substantial draft capital, and recent draft successes.
As the Texans aim for a playoff berth, Ryans’ impact as a coach and leader has played a pivotal role in their surprising competitiveness.
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