During the Houston Texans’ Wednesday press conference, DeMeco Ryans announced that he is taking over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke:
Ryans added that this was not a slight on Burke, rather that Ryans is trying to “…streamline communication as best as possible.” Ryans did not divulge any other changes
the Texans would be making before Sunday’s game in Tennessee.
This comes as a remarkable turn of events for Matt Burke, who had been calling plays on Houston’s defense since week four of the 2025 season and had been their defensive coordinator since 2023, when DeMeco Ryans was hired as head coach. Burke had actually been bubbling up as a potential head coach candidate following the 2025 season, when the Texans ranked second in points allowed and first in yards allowed, per Pro-Football Reference. This season, the Texans are currently ranked 26th in points allowed and 20th in yards allowed, a far cry from their peak and equally as surprising considering the lack of turnover they’ve had on that side of the ball.
It’s no secret that the Texans defense – specifically their pass defense – has left much to be desired in 2026, and now, it appears that Ryans is taking executive action to attempt to steady this rocking ship. Before relinquishing play-calling duties last year, Ryans was an exceptional defensive playcaller both for the 2023-2024 Houston Texans, as well as for the San Francisco 49ers when he was their defensive coordinator from 2021-2022. The 49ers’ defense was ranked first in both points and yards allowed in 2022, and Ryans 2023 and 2024 Texans’ defense ranked in the top 14 in both categories both years.
Hopefully, this will be the jolt that the Texans need to finally get their first win of the season, but what do you think? Is this a savvy move by Ryans to take the play-calling duties back before things get ugly, or is this a sign to us outsiders that the pressure is starting to get to him? Are the walls starting to close in on Houston’s coaching staff, or will these tribulations make them that much better? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below!
Go Texans!
