With the Houston Texans currently 0-4, DeMeco Ryans has been left with no choice but to make a coaching change.
Ryans announced Wednesday that he’ll be taking defensive play-calling duties away from defensive coordinator Matt Burke. He’s hoping this change will lead to better communication for this Sunday’s showdown with the Tennessee Titans.
“If there’s a lack in communication, I look at myself first and making sure I’m a better communicator,” Ryans told reporters. “To help spark things more I’m gunna take over the play calling for the defense and I’m going to make sure that communication is right. It’s on me to get it fixed. No slight to Coach Burke, just want to make sure I can streamline communication in the best way possible.”
Texans star Will Anderson Jr. certainly expects Ryans to bring a bit more accountability to a defense that just gave up 34 points in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
“DeMeco is going to call you out. What you need to do, the grace part, he gives grace, but will also hold people accountable,” Anderson said. “He’s going to say, ‘You’re not repping our style.’ Burke has done a good job. DeMeco is going to get us going.”
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Houston’s defense needs a spark.
The Texans overcame an 0-3 start to the 2025 season because of their defense, which gave up the fewest yards and second-fewest points per game.
So far this season, Houston’s defense has given up 27.3 points per game. That’s not going to cut it for Ryans and his staff.
If the Texans want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they need to take care of business against the Titans this weekend.
