On Thursday, it was reported that San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is a "top candidate" for the Denver Broncos' head coach job. The Broncos interviewed Ryans on January 19.
According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Ryans is also a "top candidate" for the Houston Texans' head coach job. The Texans interviewed Ryans on January 20, and the two sides will meet again at some point next week, after this weekend's NFC Championship Game contest between the 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
"There is mutual interest and if all goes well, he could be their next head coach," Rapoport wrote via a tweet.
#49ers DC DeMeco Ryans has emerged as a top candidate for the #Texans, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. He's expected to meet with Houston at some point next week after the game. There is mutual interest and if all goes well, he could be their next head coach. pic.twitter.com/Wj2htQYEd1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2023
Ryans had interviews scheduled with the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts. However, the coach canceled those meetings to focus on this past weekend's playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, a matchup the 49ers won 19-12.
Ryans has been with the 49ers since 2017 and has served as the defensive coordinator over the last two seasons. San Francisco's defense finished the 2022 regular season ranked No. 1 in points and yards allowed per game.