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The hire was widely expected after the NFL
Network and KPRC2 in Houston reported Monday that the Texans
planned to finalize a deal with Ryans after a second interview.
With Ryans' San Francisco 49ers losing in the NFC Championship
Game on Sunday, he was freed up to complete a second interview
with Houston, per NFL rules.
The Texans' official Twitter account posted earlier Tuesday that
the team had "completed additional discussions with DeMeco Ryans
regarding our head coaching position."
Ryans, 38, spent the past two seasons as the 49ers' defensive
coordinator. He was their inside linebackers coach for three
seasons before that.
A former linebacker, Ryans spent the first six seasons of his
playing career with the Texans, who selected him with the first
pick of the second round in the 2006 draft. He was Defensive
Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in
2007 and 2009.
Ryans also spent 2012-15 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 140 career games (139 starts), Ryans amassed 970 tackles,
13.5 sacks, seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles and 10
fumble recoveries.
His work with the 49ers' defense drew plaudits. He assumed the
coordinator position after Robert Saleh left the team to take
the New York Jets' head job. The Niners allowed the fewest
points (16.3) and yards per game (300.6) in the NFL in 2022 and
generated 30 takeaways.
Ryans replaces Lovie Smith, who was the second straight Texans
coach to be let go after one season. The Texans went 3-13-1 in
2022 and will pick second in April's NFL draft.
The 49ers have requested to interview Steve Wilks for their
defensive coordinator vacancy. Wilks is under contract with the
Carolina Panthers, where he was the defensive coordinator and
interim head coach in 2022. Carolina interviewed Wilks for the
full-time head coach gig before hiring Frank Reich.
--Field Level Media
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