It's finally a done deal.
The Texans and DeMeco Ryans have agreed on a six-year deal to make the former standout linebacker their sixth head coach in franchise history.
This move had been expected since last week. Ryans, who had been the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator the past two seasons, returns where his NFL career began as a player in 2006, when he won Defensive Rookie of the Year.
He takes over a Texans squad currently holding the No. 2 and No. 12 overall picks in this year's draft and enough salary cap space to sign key free agents.
The Texans have five picks in the first three rounds - two in the first, one second-round pick and two thirds.
Ryans is the Texans' fourth head coach in as many seasons and the third hired under general manager Nick Caserio.
The Texans first interviewed Ryans ahead of the playoffs' divisional round. The 49ers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game last Sunday, after which Ryans met again with the Texans.
Prior to becoming the Niners' defensive coordinator in 2021, Ryans spent three seasons coaching linebackers and one season as a defensive quality control coach. San Francisco's defense this season ranked atop the league in DVOA, which measures efficiency, according to Football Outsiders.
Brandon Scott is the editor for SportsRadio610.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott. Reach him directly via email: brandon.scott@audacy.com.
Follow SportsRadio 610 on social media:
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube