The Houston Texans are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, and they did it with rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
That alone is impressive, and the accomplishment hasn’t been done since 2012, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, when the Indianapolis Colts made the postseason with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and first-time head coach Chuck Pagano. That year, the Colts went 11-5 with Luck under center and finished second in the AFC South behind the Texans. Indianapolis lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs.
The Texans, meanwhile, finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record. Their playoff matchup won’t be decided until after the rest of the Week 18 games are played, but they still have a shot to win the division.
Whatever happens, Ryans and Stroud proved in one year they are one of the best young head coach-quarterback duos in the NFL.