DeMeco Ryans, who served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, is reportedly set to become the Houston Texans’ next head coach.
As a player, Ryans was a two-time Pro Bowler for Houston. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ryans and the Texans agreed to a six-year deal to give the 38-year-old his first crack at head coaching.
Ryans joined the 49ers staff in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach. He then worked as an inside linebackers coach from 2018 to 2020 before being elevated to defensive coordinator.
The news came shortly after the Broncos were reportedly finalizing compensation to make Sean Payton their next head coach. Ryans reportedly had also interviewed with Denver.
Ryans emerged as a frontrunner for the Houston job before San Francisco’s NFC Championship loss to the Eagles. After SF’s season ended, J.J. Watt tweeted a photo of Ryans from his Texans days, further fueling rumors.
Under Ryans this season, the 49ers defense allowed 16.4 points per game — the best mark in the NFL. The unit also posted the best defensive DVOA, according to Football Outsiders.
Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers will have to fill the void left by Ryans, an act that has become customary in offseasons; teams have constantly picked off Shanahan’s coaching tree. Former Niners defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could become an option.