Tag: Texans coach

DeMeco Ryans encouraged Texans to stay in contact with cut teammates

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says he told the players to stay in contact with their released teammates during the trimming to 53.

What makes DeMeco Ryans the ultimate players coach is that he was once a player.

The former Houston Texans 2006 second-round linebacker spent six seasons with his original draft team before finishing out his last four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. As Ryans experienced his first cut day as a coach, the experience brought him back to when he was first starting out in Houston.

“Before having to give the bad news to guys, I went back to being a young player and understanding you’ve battled with all these guys in training camp through preseason games, and now you come in one day and the locker room is different,” Ryans told reporters Aug. 30. “It’s a little quieter in the locker room, some guys are missing, and I remember the shock that it gave me as a young player, because everywhere you’ve played — from high school to college — no one ever tells you, ‘No, you can’t be on the team.’ So, it’s hard to deliver that news and say, ‘No, not at this time,’ so I reflect back to me being in that position as a young player, how it affected me.”

Along with any encouraging messages Ryans may have for players lost in the numbers game, the 39-year-old expressed to the remaining players how they could still continue to be good teammates with the players technically no longer in the organization.

Said Ryans: “So, when I talk to our team, I just make sure that guys who are on our team, that they realize, still, we need you to reach out to our other brothers, and make sure we’re connecting, make sure you’re checking on the guys, making sure they’re okay. We’ll have some guys come back eventually for practice squad, but make sure those guys feel that you care about them because of the special bond that you guys have built throughout OTAs and training camp.”

The Texans kick off the regular season Sept. 10 against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

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Texans special teams coach Frank Ross says DeMeco Ryans excels at connection

Houston Texans special teams coach Frank Ross says that one of DeMeco Ryans’ best attributes is his ability to connect.

Everyone has been older than Frank Ross.

Whether the Houston Texans special team coordinator was getting his break in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Frank Reich or serving under David Culley and Lovie Smith the past two seasons in Houston, the coaches ranged from big brother to father figures.

DeMeco Ryans is in a new category. The Texans’ sixth coach in team history is three years older than the 36-year-old Ross. For once, someone who is a peer is Ross’ boss.

However, Ross does not mind the age gap — or lack thereof.

“Doesn’t matter about necessarily age, but the one part about the NFL is that it keeps everybody young,” Ross told reporters Aug. 24. “We’re all out here faking like we have jobs, but we get to just play a game for fun so I guess age doesn’t really necessarily matter in that regard.”

What Ross has noticed as he has worked with Ryans is the former Pro Bowl linebacker’s ability to relate.

Said Ross: “The guy has the ability to connect with any human there is, so whether that’s talking about the nitty gritty all the way down to the x’s and o’s, the operation, or whether it’s just having a conversation.”

Even though Ross and Ryans are close in age, the special teams coach still sees an opportunity to grow and learn.

“So far, it’s been nothing but fantastic learning from him, a guy who has done it at the highest level, a guy that’s done it,” said Ross. “I mean I’m going to be all ears and anytime he is speaking I’m going to have my antennas up listening. Just trying to absorb as much as I can from his knowledge.”

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Brian Cushing believes DeMeco Ryans will turn Texans around

Former Houston Texans Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Cushing believes former teammate and new coach DeMeco Ryans will be able to turn the team around.

This week on The Texans Wire’s “Another Texans Podcast” former Houston Texans first round pick and linebacker Brian Cushing joined co-hosts John Crumpler and Patrick Storm. Cushing talked about a variety of topics from his college playing days in Los Angeles, former defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, to his thoughts about developing defensive schemes in the NFL today.

When asked about his former teammate and new Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans, Cushing was quick to note how different the energy around the city is and how well qualified Ryans is for the rebuild.

“DeMeco has got great energy. I really think he relates with every single guy on the team. I don’t know personally but I believe he has an open door policy where if guys have questions or a desire to talk about something he has no problem sitting down and talking. He has advice outside football too. Whatever DeMeco decided to do in life he was going to be successful… Excitement isn’t even the word for seeing him go out there and turn things around. If anyone could do it, it was him.”

Cushing played with Ryans for three seasons before the latter was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. If anyone knows just how talented Ryans was as a leader, the former linebacker who made hundreds of tackles alongside him is well qualified to attest to that.

You can hear the full discussion on YouTube or anywhere you get your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe on YouTube to Another Texans Podcasts for more great discussions this upcoming season.

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Why the Texans could be in for a bumpy ride in 2023

The Houston Texans have exuded optimism throughout 2023, but the regular season may reveal how much work still needs to be completed.

DeMeco Ryans fielded an interesting query in his Wednesday media session.

The Houston Texans coach was asked on how he knew the foundation is set on defense. It is a fair question given Ryans was a successful defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers the past two seasons, and all they have done is qualify for the NFC Championship Game each time.

“We’re still doing our processes,” Ryans said. “It’s a working process.”

Given the Texans have a preseason finale with the New Orleans Saints and a couple weeks of practice before their Sept. 10 opener with the Baltimore Ravens, Houston is running out of time to get the process perfected.

Considering the Texans looked like their 2022 selves in the NRG Stadium opener with 205 rushing yards surrendered in the 28-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the process seems behind schedule.

For Ryans, it seems the assembly of a culture that executes soundly and sticks to the plan is more important than the typical win-loss results fans prefer to see.

Said Ryans: “You start over, building a new team, making sure we implement how our fundamentals, our techniques and how we coach things — there’s a process that goes along with that. It doesn’t happen overnight.”

While H-Town made, the 39-year-old grew up as a coach under Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers. From 2017-18 — Ryans serving as defensive quality control the first year and inside linebackers coach the next — San Francisco posted records of 6-10 and 4-12. Both teams had records of 2-10 at each point in their seasons.

It could get that bad for the Texans in 2023, especially if rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is getting on-the-job training.

With Ryans there is a spirit of optimism that follows, and if there is any to be found ahead of the travails the Texans face, it is that their coach has gone this path before and won’t be surprised.

“We’re still on that process and one thing about coaching is you’ve got to love the process and I love it,” said Ryans. “I love seeing guys from step one, seeing them improve — that’s the beauty of coaching. That’s why I thrive.”

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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says moving cut day helps younger players

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is in favor of the way the NFL has structured cut day as it provides more practice for younger players.

HOUSTON — With the cancellation of joint practices with the New Orleans Saints this week, the Houston Texans will use the final practice week and preseason game with the Saints to evaluate players who will make the 53-man roster.

The NFL previously allowed teams to make cuts throughout the preseason, but this year they permitted teams to carry 90 players through the last preseason game. Teams must reduce their rosters to at most 53 players by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Afterwards, they will make the necessary moves to carry a practice squad of up to 16 players.

“I think the change in the cut is really; it’s been very beneficial to a lot of the young players who probably wouldn’t get that extra week of work,” said Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans on Monday when asked about the new rule.

“To actually see improvement and see growth in their game to allow them to showcase a little bit more of what they can do to possibly be added to an active roster or practice squad. I think moving the cut day is really helpful to the guys where you get more opportunity, more time to spend with the guys.

“They get more reps in this last preseason game as well, so I think it’s very beneficial. We know that there will be a lot of guys on the wire in one day, but you do get an extra look at guys, which I think is encouraging to a lot of these young guys who are putting in work from OTAs and training camp, they deserve the opportunity to get another week to showcase they belong. I’m happy with how it is right now.”

With only three preseason games, Houston has used the allotted time to evaluate some players that may be on the cusp of making their roster. Some assessments will come down to the final preseason game with the Saints on Sunday night in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“With the changes in practice, for us, we initially had the joint practices scheduled, but now with us just being here against each other, I think our plan with that will change,” said Ryans when asked how he, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, and defensive coordinator Matt Burke will handle playing time for the starters on Sunday. “We’ll discuss that later in the week, and I’ll have updates for you later.”

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Texans’ DeMeco Ryans says coaching staff also had swarm mentality versus Patriots

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says the coaching staff also demonstrated a swarm mentality on the sidelines against the New England Patriots.

One of the themes for the Houston Texans in 2023 is to “swarm” the opposition.

The Texans defense certainly swarmed the New England Patriots in the 20-9 preseason victory Aug. 10 at Gillette Stadium. Houston held New England to 164 yards total offense and 27:32 in time of possession.

What rookie coach DeMeco Ryans learned about his coaching staff was that he has a collection of great communicators.

“As a collective group, it was just really cool to hear the way our coaching staff communicates with each other,” Ryans told reporters Aug. 11. “Offensively, guys were on it. Defensively, guys were on top of all the situations, all the things to anticipate, like they were working together.”

What Ryans also noticed was the same swarm approach that he asks his players to use permeated throughout his staff.

“I talked about that swarm mentality for our players,” said Ryans. “It was cool to see that swarm mentality and approach to attacking this game like our coaches did, and I’m proud of the way that they handled themselves.”

The Texans will have a chance to swarm the Miami Dolphins Aug. 19 at NRG Stadium for their second preseason tilt of the three-game schedule.

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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans developing reputation as a straight shooter

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is showing his players that he is a straight shooter.

HOUSTON — As Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans approaches the field at Houston Methodist Training Center, he can hear the fans in the stands behind him applauding and chanting his name. A huge smile comes across his face as he waves towards the crowd and proceeds across the field to prepare for Day 8 of training camp.

Once he makes it to the other side, the smile vanishes, and he displays a business-like attitude as he is greeted by his assistant coaches and players, who know it is time to go to work. Since his playing days in the NFL and his time as a defensive assistant and coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, Ryans has had the persona of a winner, which exudes onto others in his presence.

“Anything that comes out of his mouth is not BS,” said Texans defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard after practice on Thursday. “He’s going to give it to you straight. I respect a guy like that. I can respect a guy who’s telling me – who might get in your face, who might say certain things that you don’t want to hear at the same time — but he understands what greatness is and understands how to get to it.

“I think when you have a coach like that, it changes the whole perspective because you feel bad to let him down. So, I just think overall, he’s a guy who understands and sees everything in these players and each of these individual players, he expects greatness, and that’s what he wants, and that’s what he’s going to get.”

Since organized team activities, the players have gotten to know Ryans and have a better perspective on who he is, not only as a coach but as a person. Last week, Ryans celebrated his 39th birthday, and while he displays a stern demeanor on the field, he is like a gentle giant when he is with his kids, who showed up to training camp with signs wishing him a happy birthday. He played catch with his son before leaving the field with his family.

The Texans players and coaching staff is Ryans family as well, and as the head coach, he makes sure he is doing the best job he can to put them in the proper position to succeed. Even if that means he has to issue out tough love sometimes.

“I am a coach that’s going to shoot it straight to the guys,” Ryans told reporters Friday. “These guys have a limited amount of time in their careers, and we don’t know how long their careers will be. So, for me, I’m not going to sugarcoat it to a player to make him feel good. I’m going to tell players the truth whether they like it or not because I know in the end, they’ll respect me more by telling them the truth. And that’s the type of coach I am.

“If it’s good, I’ll let you know it’s good, and I’ll celebrate the good as much as I can — that’s what I want to do — spotlight as much good as possible. But we also have to make sure we are getting things corrected in a quick manner. We don’t have a lot of time — it’s a sense of urgency that we have a short amount of time to get things fixed and move on so we can be prepared to go play and play well. So, I have a lot of sense of urgency in my approach to coaching, and I hope the players feel that.”

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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans gives reasoning behind NFL’s big cut day after preseason

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans went through the details of why the NFL went to one cut day after preseason as opposed to a series of cuts.

At some level, whether it was once per week as last season or a couple throughout preseason as in years past, cuts have been a part of the NFL preseason.

The Houston Texans won’t have to make any final evaluations until after their exhibition finale at the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 27. The NFL mandates all teams cut down a 53-man roster on Aug. 29.

While DeMeco Ryans may be in his first year as coach, he was a part of the San Francisco 49ers’ staff under Kyle Shanahan going back to 2017. At some level, Ryans has had input into finalizing cuts.

Ryans explained why he believed the league was going with a big cut day rather than staggering the releases as in years past.

“With the one big cut at the end of training camp, I think the thought process from the NFL is just to have more guys available for that last preseason game because what you see happen is you make cuts and you end up in that last game, and a lot of guys are taxed because your starters are not playing that last preseason game, and you have a lot of guys who are playing offense, defense and all the special teams [snaps], so making it one big cut allows you to have enough guys, a big enough roster,” Ryans told reporters Aug. 3. “So, if you want to take care of the starters, you can during that particular time, but you’re also not wearing out the younger guys there.”

More bodies for the finale should help teams preserve contributors for sundry packages on offense and defense while also giving special teams coaches peace of mind that their standouts have a lower chance of injury.

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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans reveals how he corrects mistakes

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans shared how he handles player mistakes as the rookie coach works through his first training camp.

Players make mistakes. They are only human. As such, coaches make corrections. It’s their job.

The Houston Texans tasked DeMeco Ryans with a tall order hiring the rookie coach after the club’s 3-13-1 campaign, the third straight double-digit losing season. No doubt Ryans has many items to correct as the Texans make the long trek back to relevance in the NFL.

The 39-year-old shared with reporters July 31 after training camp practice just how he helps players determine the right course to take following an error.

“Yeah, most of those are film things, Ryans said. “But, with our players, and most NFL players, they know before a coach can say anything. They know exactly what mistake they made, and they’ve already corrected that in their minds, so, not a lot you have to say to a player when he does make a mistake.”

One virtue Ryans has is patience when the players make mistakes.

“It’s going to happen, but it’s all about how resilient are you to put that mistake aside, play the next play,” said Ryans. “Just because there’s one bad play, we don’t want one bad play to become two, three, linger throughout a game.”

The Texans’ first preseason game is Aug. 10 against the New England Patriots.

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Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says LB Christian Kirksey has been ‘excellent leader’

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says 10-year linebacker Christian Kirksey has been an “excellent leader” for the defense.

Despite the Houston Texans being in a state of flux the past three seasons, Christian Kirksey has provided the linebacking corps with stability.

The former Cleveland Brown and Green Bay Packer has collected 217 combined tackles for the Texans through 30 games over the past two seasons. Whether it was David Culley on the sidelines or Lovie Smith, Kirksey was on the field as the unit’s standard bearer.

New coach DeMeco Ryans has spent the offseason workouts and three days of training camp with Kirksey, but it is long enough to know the significance the former Iowa product brings to the defense.

“Kirko [Kirksey] has been an excellent leader,” Ryans told reporters July 28 at Houston Methodist Training Center. “Just watching his leadership, seeing the man that he is, it’s been fun to work with him.”

Where Ryans especially appreciates Kirksey’s presence is among younger linebackers such as third-year Garret Wallow, second-year Christian Harris, and rookie Henry To’oTo’o. Kirksey isn’t afraid to share with his possible replacements tips and tricks to blossom.

Said Ryans: “He’s been great working with our younger guys, as well. Kirko is a guy who can play all three spots. So, he’s played Mike [middle], he’s played Will [weak side] and Sam [strong side], so, he’s a guy that’s smart enough to move around to multiple spots, so, he adds some versatility to what we’re doing.”

In addition to Kirksey’s versatility, the veteran linebacker is showing the rest of the corps how to approach the game.

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