Texans' DeMeco Ryans 'Thankful', Anxious To 'Clean Up' Mistakes

DeMeco Ryans made his debut as coach of the Houston Texans during their preseason victory over the New England Patriots.

HOUSTON — Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud played two drives and attempted four passes during the Houston Texans' 20-9 preseason victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night.

His first pass attempt in the league was a completion to wide receiver Nico Collins. But on his second attempt, Stroud threw an interception to defensive back Jalen Mills.

Stroud's interception was the first of two turnovers the Texans committed. The other was due to a fumble committed by quarterback Davis Mills. And for the first time in his career, coach DeMeco Ryans found himself bothered by offensive mishaps. 

"When I see the offense turn the ball over, it is not a good feeling," Ryans said. "It is something we have talked about before the game. Offensively, we want to make sure we protect the football. We have to clean up the turnovers. We got to be able to take care of the football."

Irked by turnovers illustrates the new norm of Ryans' life. Since entering the league as a second-round pick by the Texans in 2006, Ryans has celebrated defensive takeaways — whether as a player or defensive coordinator.

But Houston's preseason opener marked the debut of Ryans' coaching career at the helm of the Texans, the sixth coach in franchise history.

Ryans said he was "thankful" for his first head coaching opportunity. And before kickoff, he took in the moment on a rainy night at Gillette Stadium.

Ryans was a highly sought-after candidate during the NFL's coaching carousel in January. Teams became enamored by his two-year stint as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, where Ryans orchestrated arguably the league's best defensive team. 

During his introductory press conference in early February, Ryans confirmed that he interviewed with the Denver Broncos. But despite holding several conversations, Ryans said he always dreamed of becoming a coach for the Texans.

General manager Nick Caserio said he and the McNairs listed eight to 10 characteristics they wanted to see in their next coach. From leadership to the ability to connect with his players on and off the field — Ryans was an ideal companion.

"It was different being the head coach, having to call the team up and break the team down, make decisions on game day a little differently," Ryans said. "[I had] a lot of good help around me on the offensive, defensive side, special teams – a lot of good coaches helping me out to make my job easier."

During his coaching debut, Ryans was most pleased by the performance of the Texans' defense, which has already showcased a buy-in to his swarm mentality and approach to attacking the ball.

The defense limited New England to 164 net yards and nine first downs. The front seven caused continuous disruption on the Patriots' offensive line, where they accounted for three sacks.

Houston's defense against New England displayed similar traits to Ryans' defensive ball club in San Francisco. 

During the 2022 season, the 49ers recorded the second-most takeaways (30) while giving up an average of 16.3 points. As a result of their defense, the 49ers went 13-4 and advanced to the NFC Championship game. They lost 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

"Defensively, I thought the guys – they flew around really well," Ryans said. "When you talk about the swarm mentality, that's what it looks like. Guys were running, they were hitting. It was physical. It was fun to watch, all 11 guys flying around."

Jimmie Ward said Ryans' ability to teach is one of his best attributes as a coach. And it's one of the reasons why Ward followed Ryans from San Francisco to Houston. 

His superior teachings since his days as a defensive quality control coach in 2017 have taken place on defense. But as coach of the Texans, Ryans will have to find a way to carry his teachings over to the offensive side of the ball. 

Ryans' first assignment will be to find a way to help his offense protect the football, especially with Stroud likely taking the helm as the starter under center come Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.

"I'm thankful for this opportunity and the job that I get to do," Ryans said. "I love what I do. I have fun doing it."

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