The Houston Texans have undergone a remarkable transformation in 2023, and much of that credit goes to their new star quarterback, C.J. Stroud. However, let’s not overlook the pivotal role of head coach DeMeco Ryans in this resurgence. In his first year at the helm, Ryans has not only steered the Texans to an AFC South title but also guided them through a playoff victory, proving that he’s already making waves as one of the league’s most promising head coaches.
Yet, despite these accomplishments, Ryans only ranked 15th in CBS Sports’ head coach rankings, which raises some eyebrows. While he’s been praised for his impressive defensive strategies, his teams have occasionally garnered a reputation for being a bit on the edge, perhaps too aggressive for their own good. Benjamin points out, “For a widely respected longtime NFL captain, Ryans’ units have been notoriously chippy, if not blatantly reckless.” Still, one cannot ignore the fact that under his leadership, the Texans’ defense has emerged as one of the most formidable units in the league.
As we look ahead, the success of the team hinges heavily on the continued development of C.J. Stroud. If he can find his rhythm and elevate his game even further, there’s every reason to believe that a third consecutive playoff appearance could very well be in the cards for Houston. Given the substantial progress from where the Texans were prior to Ryans’ arrival, it’s hard to argue against the idea that he deserves recognition among the league’s top 10 head coaches. It’s a testament to the impact he’s made in such a short time, and if this trajectory continues, don’t be surprised if Ryans climbs the rankings in the seasons to come.
