As the Chicago Bears gear up for their matchup against the Houston Texans this Sunday, all eyes are on the Texans’ dynamic coaching staff led by head coach DeMeco Ryans. In his second season, Ryans has revitalized Houston, guiding the team to an AFC South title and a playoff win in his debut year.
Alongside him, defensive coordinator Matt Burke and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik have played pivotal roles in shaping one of the NFL’s most promising young rosters. The Bears will need to prepare for a well-coached Texans team hungry for another victory.
DeMeco Ryans | Head Coach
DeMeco Ryans enters his second season as head coach of the Texans, following a successful debut year in which he led the team to a 10-7 record, an AFC South title, and a playoff win — the first such achievements for a rookie quarterback and first-year head coach duo.
Under his leadership, C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. were named Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year. Ryans was honored as PFWA Coach of the Year and Kansas City 101 AFC Coach of the Year. Previously, Ryans served six years with the 49ers, including two as defensive coordinator, helping them reach the NFC Championship. A former standout linebacker, Ryans played for the Texans and Eagles, earning multiple accolades, including AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections.
Ryans holds the Texans’ rookie tackle record (156) and is the second-leading tackler in franchise history. He also played a vital role in the Texans’ first-ever AFC South title as a team captain in 2011.
Bobby Slowik | Offensive Coordinator
Bears fans should be familiar with this name after a season of speculation regarding Matt Eberflus’ future in Chicago in 2023. Last season’s breakout offensive coordinator, Slowik, was linked to the Chicago Bears when there was speculation that Eberflus would be fired at the end of the season.
Bobby Slowik enters his second season as the Texans’ offensive coordinator in 2024. In his first year, he led a passing attack that ranked second in the NFL for pass plays over 25 yards and developed QB C.J. Stroud, who set multiple rookie records and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Slowik helped WR Nico Collins and RB Devin Singletary achieve career-best seasons. Before Houston, Slowik spent six years with the 49ers, including roles as offensive passing game coordinator and quality control coach, and contributed to successful offenses in San Francisco and Washington.
Matt Burke | Defensive Coordinator
Matt Burke is entering his second season as the Texans’ defensive coordinator and 21st in the NFL. In 2023, he led a defense that set a franchise record with 46 sacks and ranked second in the NFL in tackles for loss.
Under Burke, rookie DE Will Anderson Jr. earned Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors. He has previously coached for the Cardinals, Eagles, Dolphins, Bengals, and Lions, consistently improving defensive units and developing standout players like J.J. Watt, Xavien Howard, and Zach Allen.
Frank Ross | Special Teams Coordinator
Frank Ross, now in his fourth year as the Houston Texans’ special teams coordinator, brings 11 years of NFL experience, including six as a coach. In 2023, his unit ranked first in the NFL, leading in kickoff return average and total return touchdowns.
The Texans excelled in 15 statistical categories, with kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn having an outstanding season and Dare Ogunbowale becoming the third non-kicker to score a field goal since 1980. Ross’ previous experience includes a successful tenure with the Indianapolis Colts and a Super Bowl LI win as a pro scout with the Patriots.
Ross and Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus worked together from 2018-20 in Indianapolis, where Eberflus was the Colts’ defensive coordinator, and Ross was an assistant special teams coach.