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Texans hire DeMeco Ryans as head coach on reported 6-year deal

Michael Zagaris / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Houston Texans hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach, the team announced Tuesday.

He joins Houston on a six-year deal, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Ryans described the Texans position as a "dream job" and promised to "build a program filled with players who have a special work ethic and relentless mindset."

"I have been around the game of football my entire life and I've always had a natural ability to lead others," he said in a statement. "I know what it takes to win and be successful in this league as both a player and coach."

Ryans added: "I understand the responsibility I have to this organization and to the fans of Houston to build a winner, and I can't wait to get to work."

The former 49ers coordinator was reported last week to be a "top candidate" for the position last week and interviewed with the Texans for a second time earlier Tuesday.

His work with San Francisco's defense in recent years drew rave reviews. Since he was promoted from inside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator in 2021, the 49ers' defense finished no worse than third in yardage allowed. Ryans' 2022 unit ended the season with the fewest points per game and lowest yardage allowed.

The 38-year-old will coach the franchise where he spent the first six seasons of his playing career. Selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2006 draft, the linebacker was a cornerstone of Houston's defense, earning two Pro Bowl invites and a Defensive Rookie of the Year honor.

He also drew interest from the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts in their searches for head coaches.

Ryans will be the fourth head coach in as many seasons for the Texans. Houston was in the market for a new coach after firing Lovie Smith following a 3-13-1 campaign in 2022. Smith joined David Culley as the second straight Texans coach to be fired after one season.

Houston allowed 24.7 points per game in 2022, good for 27th in the NFL. The franchise has not made the playoffs since the 2019 campaign and has posted a 11-38-1 mark over the last three years.

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