Defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s time as the playcaller for the Houston Texans’ defense has ended, at least for now.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans announced he will take over play-calling duties ahead of Houston’s game against the Tennessee Titans, as both teams seek their first win of the season.
Burke shared his reaction to Ryans calling the plays during his press conference on Thursday.
“Obviously a little disappointed, not even about me, just obviously I think we're all disappointed in where we're at and how we performed and being 0-4 at this point,” Burke said. “DeMeco and I have a very honest relationship. He just said, ‘I think we need to spark a change.’ I said, ‘Okay, what do you need from me?’ He said, ‘I just need to keep game planning and working
on the plan with me through the week and same as we've always done.’ So that's what we're going to do.”
This reverses last season, when Ryans started out calling the defensive plays. But after Houston started 0-3 in 2025, Ryans gave Burke the play-calling duties. The Texans have started out slow again this season and recently blew games against the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys because of the defense’s inability to stop them from scoring game-winning points in the final two minutes.
Houston will be hoping this change will spark a change in the defense against the Titans, another team desperate for their first win of the season. It's a must-have for Houston if it wants to remain slightly relevant in the playoff picture.
Burke has been the Texans’ defensive coordinator since 2023 and has led them to be one of the better defenses in the NFL, and one of the best in 2025, up until this season.
Although Ryans did not blame Burke for the change, it is still possible Burke’s job could be in jeopardy if things do not turn around for the defense soon.
"I think just obviously things haven't gone well. I think we'll all be honest to admit that," Burke said. "Not the way we wanted to. Sometimes you have to just sort of try to spark a change and just see something different and see if something else clicks. To adjust to those roles a little bit. Hopefully it shows on Sunday.”
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans DC Matt Burke reacts to DeMeco Ryans taking over playcalling
