Texans DC Matt Burke Could Provide Help For DeMeco Ryans

Defensive coordinator Matt Burke could be beneficial to coach DeMeco Ryans due to his experience as a game management coach.

HOUSTON — Under coach DeMeco Ryans, the Houston Texans' coaching staff for 2023 has a handful of first-year coaches and coordinators. But defensive coordinator Matt Burke is one of the most experienced coaches who will be taking the sidelines for the Texans next season. 

And despite his background as a former defensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins (2017-2018), Burke's best attribute to Ryans' staff could be the time he spent as a game management coach under New York Jets coach Robert Saleh in 2021. 

"He was obviously a first-time head coach and wanted someone to bridge the gap between analytics and game day management and coaching," Burke said. "During the week, I would put together stuff, teaching tapes for the players, for the whole team. I was very thankful coach Saleh gave me the opportunity to address the whole team a couple of times a week just on situational football."

Burke said he would wear headsets to communicate with Saleh each game. He would give Saleh suggestions, from when to throw a challenge flag to taking timeouts. 

Ryans may have hired Burke to help enhance the Texans' defense, but as a first-year head coach, Burke's game management experience will be just as beneficial.

"I’m grateful that he [Saleh] gave me a lot of work to do," Burke said. "It was a great experience ... If that’s something he [Ryans] wants me to be a part of with him and help him as we go through that process, I’d be more than happy to because it was a great experience."

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