'Incredible Job!' Nick Caserio Raves About Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans

For the first time since taking over as general manager of the Houston Texans, Nick Caserio has a solid foundation and consistency to build upon.

INDIANAPOLIS -- For the first time since taking over as general manager, the Houston Texans have a solid foundation to build upon under Nick Caserio.

Caserio hired the personnel and either signed or drafted players responsible for Houston's success throughout the 2023 season. But as he returns to the NFL Combine for his fourth stint as general manager of the Texans, Caserio refuses to take credit for establishing Houston's firm foundation. 

"There are 100 to 200 people who are involved in football operations, it's a collective effort," Caserio said. "It takes several people, but Demeco [Ryans] did an incredible job with the team and putting together a great coaching staff. Ultimately, it is about the players and the coaches. 

"I am fortunate to be around a lot of great people who have made a ton of positive impact on the team. For me, it's all about helping and trying to support as many people in the building while doing my job."

Texans general manager Nick Caserio talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to the job of Ryans, Caserio has displayed an abundance of admiration. He made his third coaching hire last January with the hopes of laying the groundwork towards "sustainable success" in Houston.

Caserio has described working with Ryans as "outstanding" due to his consistency, energy, and sincerity. His attitude for the game has changed the locker room, instilling a winning mentality within the players.

Ryans spoke on how life is "less stressful" amid his second visit as coach of the Texans on Tuesday. Caserio shares the same sentiment, given that the 2024 off-season will be the first time there will be consistency working alongside a coach from the previous year.

"We are further ahead than we were last year," Caserio said. "Philosophically, we believe in the same thing. We view football through a similar lens. I have nothing but respect, admiration, and appreciation for him as a person. We just want to make the right decisions for the football team. It's our responsibility to each other and this franchise."

A new partner for Derek Stingley Jr.?

Second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is coming off a breakout season. Despite missing six games due to a hamstring injury, Stingley led the team in pass deflections (13) and interceptions (five), taking the lead as Houston's top cornerback.

His emergence has made Steven Nelson expendable. Caserio is appreciative of Nelson's contributions over the previous two seasons. However, he remains non-committal about Nelson's future.

"I have a lot of respect for the way Steven has handled himself and for the way he played this year," Caserio said. "But similar to many other players, we will have to go through the process.

"There are a lot of good players out there in free agency, including some of our players. But we are going to have someone out there playing opposite of Stingley. We will work through it over the next few weeks and see where we end up."

Nelson finished the 2023 season with 63 tackles, 48 solo hits, 12 pass deflections and four interceptions. During Houston's Wild Card victory against the Cleveland Browns, Nelson recorded one of two pick-sixs thrown by Joe Flacco.

Following his release from the Miami Dolphins, All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard is one of a handful of players who could replace Nelson's services. According to D.J. Bien-Aime of ESPN, Howard has an interest in joining the Texans.

DeMeco Ryans Reveals Texans Offseason Strategy

Caserio will continue to value the Senior Bowl 

The Texans discovered one of their top rookie prospects during the 2023 Senior Bowl in Alabama. Wide receiver Tank Dell stood out during his showcase, which gave Caserio the confidence to trade up for the former University of Houston wide receiver.

Caserio was one of numerous general managers in attendance during the 2024 Senior Bowl. He revealed that it was another great experience. Similar to Dell, Caserio believes the Texans can use the post-season college football all-star game to add the desired depth and talent needed to revamp the roster for the upcoming season.

Before landing Dell, the Texans drafted running back Dameon Pierce following his standout performance in 2022.

Headlined by Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith, the Texans met with a dozen prospects during the event.

"Honestly, that was one of the better collections of talent from top to bottom that Jim [Nagy] has assembled," Caserio said. "More than anything, you are looking into practice habits, how they interact with each other. We are always looking for different things.

"You can always learn something at every step of the way. It was fun to be down there for a couple of days."