Houston Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans 'Learned a Lot' from New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and New York Jets coach Robert Saleh used to be on the same side, but they'll square off against each other in Week 14.

The Houston Texans (7-5) are right in the mix of the AFC Playoffs race while their opponent this week, the New York Jets (4-8) are on the outside looking in and desperately need a win in Week 14.

While the two teams appear to be in very different places today Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says he wouldn't be where he is today without Jets coach Robert Saleh.

So in a sense, Houston owes the New York coach for its current excitement just as much as Ryans says he does personally.

"I learned how to coach from being under Saleh," Ryans said of his former San Francisco 49ers staffmate. "He taught me a lot when it comes to scheme when it came to just handling players, game planning. So, I learned a lot from Saleh and owe a lot to him and that's probably the reason why I'm standing here before you. Because of him just taking me under his wing."

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans on the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium.  / Mandatory Credit Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ryans went on to call Saleh great in many aspects including as a coach and as a man off the field, something he can speak well on given the two men's relationship that spans nearly two decades.

When Ryans was drafted by Houston in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft Saleh was a defensive assistant with the franchise. From there, Ryans became a Pro Bowl linebacker in 2007 and 2009 and Saleh became an assistant linebackers coach before moving on to the Seattle Seahawks staff in 2011.

From there, their two paths separated, and when Ryans retired following the 2015 season Saleh was coaching linebackers with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

When Saleh was hired away from the Jaguars to coordinate the 49ers defense, he convinced 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan to let him bring Ryans along with him.

"I was actually thinking about getting into coaching the year after I finished playing and ended up talking with Saleh and talking with Johnny Holland – two of my former coaches here with the Texans," Ryans recalled. "They gave me great advice and I learned a lot under both of those guys. I’m thankful for them for kind of speaking on my behalf to Kyle – them twisting Kyle’s arm a little bit to get me an opportunity. Very thankful for Kyle and Saleh for giving me that opportunity.”

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From there Ryans's work ethic and talent took over, eventually leading him to the head job in Houston where he has his squad on the verge of going from the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft to the postseason.

A favorite for this year's NFL Coach of the Year Award, Ryans owes a lot to the man who will be opposing him this weekend. Because of it, Texans fans may owe him even more.