(SportsRadio 610) - A perfect example of the Texans' management style in DeMeco Ryans' first season can be found in postgame videos the team's social media department puts on the Internet after victories.
Ryans and his players celebrate while he makes a passionate speech. Owners Hannah and Cal McNair and general manager Nick Caserio are always in the background allowing Ryans and his players to get the hard-earned spotlight.
After Saturday's 23-19 victory at Indianapolis that clinched a playoff spot with a 10-7 record, Ryans, his players and assistant coaches were jumping around reveling in the excitement of the Texans' first postseason appearance since 2019.
If they upset Cleveland in the wild card round Saturday afternoon at NRG Stadium, there'll be another postgame celebration, but if you're watching closely, you'll have to struggle to get a glimpse of the McNairs or Caserio because that's the way they want it.
The Texans are closing in on the one-year anniversary since Ryans was hired from San Francisco – recommended by Caserio and approved by Janice, Hannah and Cal McNair.
After what they went through with Bill O'Brien's trades, Jack Easterby's shenanigans, Deshaun Watson's trade demand and civil lawsuits and one-and-done head coaches in David Culley and Lovie Smith, nobody is getting more satisfaction from the Texans' success than the McNairs.
"The McNair family has been awesome," Ryans said Monday. "You talk about support from your ownership, they've been outstanding. Whatever we've asked, whatever we've needed from their end, they've been open-armed."
The McNair family gives Caserio and Ryans the financial support they need and stay out of the way. It's Cal McNair's style to not get involved in personnel decisions other than to sign off on what his coach and general manager need.
"One of the reasons I chose to come here is they wanted to create that family environment, and that's what it's felt like," Ryans said. "It's felt like family from Day One, and they've shown that throughout the year. They're with us through the ups and downs. It's very important to have an ownership that cares not only about the wins and losses but about the people and the organization. I think that's what sets the McNair family apart -- they have gracious hearts – a great family – and it's a joy to work with them."
Caserio is finishing his third season with the Texans. When he was hired, Watson had just issued his trade demand. The McNairs gave Caserio permission to rebuild the team. He had to deal with salary cap issues, roster upheaval, a revolving door for coaches and the Watson situation. Ultimately, Caserio traded Watson to the Browns for six draft choices, including three first-round picks. The trade will be completed with first- and fourth-round picks in the April draft.
The Las Vegas oddsmakers had the Texans with a 6.5 over/under on victories, and they've reached 10. Ryans and Caserio have worked well together, which is a big reason the Texans have had such a terrific draft, free agency period and in-season signings off the street.
Using the second overall draft choice on quarterback C.J. Stroud and trading up with Arizona to acquire the third overall pick to get defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is one of the many reasons Caserio should be favored to be voted NFL Executive of the Year. Stroud (Offensive Rookie of the Year) and Ryans (Coach of the Year) are also serious candidates for postseason awards after becoming the first quarterback-coach combo to win a division title in their first season together. Caserio deserves a lot of credit for pulling that off.
"Nick has done a great job when it comes to roster management," Ryans said. "Adding players throughout the offseason and the draft process. Me and Nick have worked step-in-step. We talk about every decision before it's made. We make sure we're on the same page. It works well when you see football the same. You know what types of players you're looking for. The skillset you're looking for, me and Nick are on the same page when it comes to that, and we've worked well together."
On Saturday afternoon against the Browns, the Texans will see if all their hard work comes to fruition in the playoffs or if they'll have to be happy with the first AFC South title since 2019.
It's a chance to get revenge for Cleveland's 36-22 victory at NRG Stadium on Christmas Eve and provide the nation with another example of just how special this team has become in its first season with Ryans, Caserio and the McNairs working together.
"What's so special about our group is their love for football, their love to compete and their love to improve," Ryans said. "When you have guys who show up with that mindset to get better, that's going to put us all in a better position. If we continue to stay focused on the small things, the big things will take care of themselves. And they're the only reason we're here.
"Our guys understand our goals and what we set out to accomplish. As I mentioned earlier, we didn't come this far just to come this far. Everybody's excited, happy about the division. Now we have to move on and win in the playoffs. We've been in playoff mode for the last two weeks, so our guys understand where we are and what we have to do."
John McClain can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on SportsRadio 610 and Monday, Thursday and Sunday on Texans Radio, also on SportsRadio 610. He writes five columns a week and does three Houtopia Football Podcasts for SportsRadio610.com.
