DeMeco Ryans, former Alabama LB, accepts NFL HC job, per report

DeMeco Ryans, a former Alabama linebacker and current San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, is expected to become the next head coach of the Houston Texans. The program is attempting to find a replacement for former head coach Lovie Smith.

Texans reporter Aaron Wilson reported that former Mizzou defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is being interviewed by the 49ers for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Adam Schefter later confirmed the news that Ryans had accepted the Texans job on a 6-year deal.

#49ers requested permission to interview former #Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks for their expected defensive coordinator vacancy as the #Texans are zeroing in on hiring DeMeco Ryans as their next head coach, per a league source

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 31, 2023

Former 49ers’ defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans reached agreement today on a six-year deal, per sources. Texans have their new head coach. pic.twitter.com/1CvFSLvZY5

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2023

Ryans has been with San Francisco since 2017, where he started as a defensive quality control coach. He moved to coaching linebackers in 2018 and was promoted to DC in 2021.

He played at Alabama from 2002-2005, was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 NFL Draft to Houston and stayed in the NFL for 9 years before launching his coaching career.