AFC South 2023 Head Coach Power Rankings: Where Jacksonville Jaguars stand?

No. 3 AFC South HC Power Ranking – Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans

Just like Shane Steichen, DeMeco Ryans is a first-time head coach. Unlike Steichen, Ryans enter a favorable situation. A former NFL linebacker, Ryan initially declined to interview for the Houston Texans’ opening despite the fact that they were the team that drafted him and it’s easy to see why he was hesitant.

Lovie Smith was hired last offseason and only lasted one year. His predecessor, Dave Culley, was also one and done. Ryans surely wanted to avoid the same fate, so Texans ownership must’ve given him some assurance to help him make up his mind. He’s now Houston’s fourth coach in as many years but there’s a reason to believe he’s here to stay.

After his playing career was over, Ryans joined the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff in 2017 as an assistant and steadily worked his way up to defensive coordinator. He’s a highly respected figure around the league and the kind of head coach that knows how to connect with his players.

One thing that should help Ryans do his job is that the Texans fired vice president of football operations Jack Easterby last year. Now general manager Nick Caserio and the team’s brass can do their jobs without the interference of Easterby.

Although Houston has to address several needs in the offseason, including the quarterback position, they do have a few talented pieces such as running back Daemon Pierce and safety Jalen Pitre. While it’s hard to see the Texans competing for a playoff berth, Ryans will get the most out of his team and will have them play to the whistle.