Texans coach DeMeco Ryans defines what he wants in his coaching staff

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans laid out what he is looking for as he assembles his new coaching staff.

DeMeco Ryans is all about diversity.

The new Houston Texans coach has made diversity an emphasis when he assembles his coaching staff for the 2023 season.

“We want a very diverse coaching staff, and that’s not only diversity in race, but diversity in experience,” said Ryans. “We want experienced coaches, some coaches not so much experience.”

Even though Ryans’ coaching staff will be replete with diversity, there will be a couple unifying traits about all the assistants.

“We want coaches who are great teachers,” Ryans said. “That’s the one thing we are looking for most importantly is great teachers. We want guys who are positive, bring positive energy. We want guys who can connect with players. If you can connect with players, then you can lead players. If you can’t connect, there is no way you can coach those guys. We want guys who are bringing energy, doing it in a fun way. Guys who are truly committed to working together as well.”

As Ryans seeks to create a “positive culture” inside NRG Stadium, he declared: “No egos allowed. No energy vampires allowed.”

Said Ryans: “We’re going to work together to make sure we’re giving the players everything they need.”

The practical purpose of having a staff comprised of coaches with different backgrounds and characteristics is also to help the players process the objectives Ryans has laid out for success in 2023.

“You want a diverse staff because players learn differently, so we want to be able to present things in a different way to different players to make sure when they step on the field Sunday, they’re clear minds,” said Ryans. “They’re not thinking. They’re playing as fast as possible.”

The Texans finished 3-13-1 in 2022 and were 30th in points for and 31st in total offense. The defense was hardly better with 27th in points allowed and 30th in total defense.

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Texans fire coach Bill O’Brien after 0-4 start

The Houston Texans have fired coach Bill O’Brien after an 0-4 start in his seventh season.

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The Houston Texans have fired coach Bill O’Brien after the team started 0-4 in 2020.

In Monday’s press conference with the media, O’Brien said he had no control when it came to his job security.

“I don’t have any control,” O’Brien said. “All I can control is what I can control, and I’ve got to do a better job with the team. That’s obvious, and we’re going to work hard to do that. Relative to things that I talk about with the team, I just try to keep that between me and the team as best as I can.”

The 0-4 start was the third in franchise history, the first of the O’Brien era. In 2005, Dom Capers, the club’s first ever coach, started 0-4 and was fired after a 2-14 finish. In 2006, coach Gary Kubiak started 0-4 in his third season with the team, but recovered for an 8-8 finish. The Texans would win two division titles, two playoff games, and have three winning season with Kubiak until he was fired with three games to go in the 2013 season, also a 2-14 finish.

Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair said in a statement that the organization sincerely thanked O’Brien for his leadership and impact on the franchise.

“Bill’s leadership moved our organization forward as he guided us to four AFC South division championships, 52 wins and multiple playoff appearances during his tenure. Bill proved himself as a coach and leader in this league. I spoke with him earlier today and told him we are moving forward in a different direction.”

According to McNair, Crennel will serve as the interim coach for the rest of the 2020 season. The last time Crennel was interim coach was in 2011 with the Kansas City Chiefs.

“We have a talented team and I have no doubt our players and staff will rally to make Texans fans proud as we aim to win championships and do great things for the city of Houston.”

Crennel will serve as the second interim coach in franchise history.