Texans Play-Calling: Coach DeMeco Ryans Talks 'Micromanaging' As Decision Looms

Despite a successful tenure with the 49ers, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans remains undecided on defensive play-calling duties in 2023.

HOUSTON — DeMeco Ryans is entering his first season as coach of the Houston Texans on the heels of a successful two-year stint as the defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers.

Ryans was at the helm of arguably the league's best defense in San Francisco. And as a defensive-minded coach, it was almost a forgone conclusion Ryans would be the play-caller on defense now that he's here. 

Two months into his coaching tenure, though, Ryans said he has not decided if he will call the Texans' defensive play-calling in 2023. 

One consideration: Ryans believes play-calling allows coaches to learn and grow.

"Seeing certain traits and trying to help develop them more, trying to give them more of a leadership role, give them more command over running whatever particular part of our program - that's how you learn," Ryans said of younger staffers. "That's how I learned. No one micromanaged me. They allowed me to make mistakes and it allowed me to grow and become better." 

During his time as the 49ers defensive coordinator, Ryans elevated San Francisco's defense into one of the league's best. During the regular season, the 49ers recorded the second-most takeaways (30) while giving up an average of 16.3 points.

If Ryans opts out of calling plays, defensive coordinator Matt Burke would take on the duty. Burke served as the defensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins for two seasons (2017-2018).

"Matt is very capable of calling defenses," Ryans said. "He’s done it before. He’s knowledgeable of our scheme and how we want to play, so I’m very confident in Matt calling the plays as well."

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