DeMeco Ryans-to-Texans rumors swirl after cryptic JJ Watt tweet
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Rumors swirl that the DeMeco Ryans will become the Texans’ new coach after former teammate JJ Watt posted a photo of the two laughing together in Houston in 2011: The Forty-Niners’ defensive coordinator is considered the top candidate for the post’
The DeMeco Ryans appear to be the favorite to become the next Houston Texans head coach following a second interview with the club and a cryptic tweet from former teammate JJ Watt.
Officially, Watt has no vote, but the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year posted a photo of himself with Ryans from his days with the Texans’ defense. Fans quickly assumed this meant Ryans, the 38-year-old San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, was already in line for the job.
‘Does this mean what I think it means?’ asked sportswriter Jackson Grant.
JJ Watt posted a photo of himself alongside DeMeco Ryans from his days with the Texans defense. Fans quickly assumed this meant Ryans, the 38-year-old San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, was already in line for work.
“JJ Watt: DeMeco is coming back to Houston,” one fan’s tweet began.
‘Us: Source?
‘JJ Watt: Trust me, bro.’
Watt recently retired after two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Previously, he spent the first decade of his career in Houston, including a season with the Ryans playing behind him at middle linebacker.
Watt (left) recently retired after two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Previously, he spent the first decade of his career in Houston, including a season with Ryans (right) playing behind him at middle linebacker.
Under the Ryans, the 49ers’ defense became the best in football in 2022, ranking first in points and yards allowed. San Francisco’s season came to a close on Sunday, when the 49ers fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 31-7, in the NFC Championship.
Watt has already been stumped by his former teammate. “As a newcomer to Houston, I bought my first house across the street from DeMeco because if Meco thought it was the right place to live, it was the right place for me to live,” Watt tweeted on Jan. 20.
In fact, Watt has already been stumped by his former teammate.
“As a newcomer to Houston, I bought my first house across the street from DeMeco because if Meco thought it was the right place to live, it was the right place for me to live,” Watt tweeted on Jan. 20.
‘Captain, leader, smart, tough, affable, he succeeded as DC…
DeMeco Ryans played six seasons in Houston before being traded to Philadelphia
“He will be a great head coach.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that the Ryans are the favorite to succeed fired coach Lovie Smith in Houston after the Texans’ defense ranked 30th in yards allowed and 27th in scoring.
Under the Ryans, the 49ers’ defense became the best in football in 2022, ranking first in points and yards allowed. San Francisco’s season came to a close on Sunday, when the 49ers fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 31-7, in the NFC Championship.
Ryans has also been linked to other head coaching vacancies in Denver and Indianapolis. However, there are conflicting reports about his interest in coaching the Broncos.
“DeMaco Ryans (sic) tells the Broncos he’s not interested,” Denver Gazette columnist Woody Paige reported. “He was the number 1 third choice of him.”
CBS’s Josina Anderson contradicted that report later Monday: “I was told the Denver Broncos have not received notification that the DeMeco Ryans have withdrawn from their head coaching search.” The organization continues with the candidate evaluation process, according to league sources.’