DeMeco Ryans Named a Top Candidate for Texans Head Coach Job

A day after he was named a top candidate for the Broncos job, 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has been dubbed a “top candidate” for the Houston Texans head coaching job.

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported the latest on Friday afternoon:

Ryans has interviewed for all five head coaching vacancies. Before opting to stay in San Francisco, he was also a candidate for the Vikings head coach job last year.

Ryans was drafted by the Texans in 2006 and was viewed as a player with a future on the sidelines.

The 38-year-old coordinator Ryans has led consecutive top-three defenses in the NFL since becoming the 49ers DC two seasons ago. Ryans is one of the top head coaching candidates during this hiring cycle after being interviewed by multiple teams.

Ryans and the Texans are set to meet again after this weekend. The 49ers take on the Eagles in the NFC Championship on Sunday. At this point, we may see a resolution. Despite Denver coveting Ryans as well, Houston seems like the landing spot.

The Broncos are saddled with Russell Wilson’s mega extension and lack of cap flexibility. Houston has bottomed out and has two first-round picks. The Texans will likely take a franchise quarterback with their No. 2 pick. Then they’ll have the No. 2 pick; one Ryans might be able to land a centerpiece for his defense.

Considering the personal ties from his playing days (and his wife being from Houston), I imagine Ryans will land in Houston when all is said and done.

As far as Denver goes, they might pivot this weekend. Knowing that Ryans and the Texans are mutually interested, plus the wait until next week, might shift Denver’s focus. Ian Rapoport said on the Pat McAfee show today that he is confident that Ryans would choose the Texans over Denver if offered both.