Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is taking a more hands-on role in stopping his team's defensive downturn.
Amid an 0-4 start, Ryans announced on Wednesday, Oct. 7, that he would be taking over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
Despite returning 10 starters from a group that ranked first in the NFL in total defense and second in scoring in 2025, Houston has allowed more points (109) than any other team in the AFC.
After allowing Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to rack up 335 passing yards in a 34-30 loss on Sunday, Pro Bowl cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. singled out communication issues as one of the key problems plaguing the unit.
"It all starts with me," Ryans said in a news conference Wednesday. "If there's
a lack in communication, I look at myself first. So it starts with me and making sure I'm a better communicator. So just to help spark things more, I'm gonna take over play-calling for the defense, and I'm gonna make sure communication is right."
Ryans previously had served as the team's primary defensive play-caller until making another early-season pivot last fall. After starting off 0-3, he turned that responsibility over to Burke. Houston responded by winning 12 of its next 14 games.
Burke has served as Ryans' defensive coordinator since the head coach took over in Houston in 2023.
"It's no slight against coach Burke. He’s done an outstanding job," Ryans said. "Just want to make sure I can streamline communication in the best way possible so that isn’t the theme when I stand up here the next time I see you guys and talking about communication."
The Texans take on the 0-4 Tennessee Titans in Week 5.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texans' DeMeco Ryans takes over defensive play-calling duties amid 0-4 start
