It looks like it might be Houston or bust for DeMeco Ryans. One day after the San Francisco 49ers' heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship Game, the defensive coordinator informed the Denver Broncos that he was no longer interested in their head coaching job.
Ryans has emerged as the favorite for the Texans' heading coaching job. Ryans started his NFL career in Houston, playing linebacker there during his first six NFL seasons.
"He is considered to be the favorite," NFL insider Ian Rapoport said Monday morning on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. "The Denver Broncos, who also had significant interest in DeMeco Ryans after interviewing him, they have received indication that his attention is headed elsewhere. Houston, of course, where he played. A former second-round [draft pick] linebacker and a former captain there.
"He's going to do a second interview with the Texans this week. Assuming all goes well, and it should, he'll be named the Texans' next head coach, the second hire of this cycle."
From @GMFB: With the #49ers loss, the path is now clear for the #Texans to hire DeMeco Ryans as their new HC; Plus, the #Chargers received permission to speak with Kellen Moore to be their new OC. pic.twitter.com/ZvD7ZEXIxE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2023
Ryans has been a part of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff since 2017, serving as the team's defensive coordinator for the past two seasons.