While there might not be many changes made to the Houston Texans' staff entering Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, there's at least one big one forDeMeco Ryans.
The Texans head coach announced Wednesday during his press conference that he would be taking over defensive play-calling duties for the first time in over a year.
When hired back in 2023, Ryans served as the primary play-caller for two-plus seasons. Then, after an 0-3 start last season, he handed the duties over to defensive coordinator Matt Burke, which led to a team turnaround and the league's No. 1 scoring unit.
“If guys are saying communication is not right, then that ultimately it falls on me,” Ryans said. “So I’m going to get it fixed. It’s no slight on Coach Burke. He’s
done an outstanding job. I just want to make sure I streamline communication in the best way possible so that isn’t the theme when I stand up here and see you guys.”
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans announced that he is taking over defensive play-calling duties from DC Matt Burke following the team’s 0-4 start. pic.twitter.com/gPqTNMefyW
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 7, 2026
Credit, Ryans is addressing the biggest problem for the team so far this season. Houston's offense, despite its flaws, has scored 30 or more points twice and led within the final minute of two games. Ultimately, the defense is what let down the offense, resulting in an 0-4 start instead of a 2-2 or even 3-1 record.
Entering Sunday's AFC South matchup against the Titans, Houston ranks 20th in total yards allowed per game and 26th in points allowed. They also have only forced three turnovers, all of which came in Week 3's road loss to Indianapolis. And despite ranking top three in sacks with 14, Houston's pressure rate is outside the top 10.
To some, the decision could be viewed as a demotion for the fourth-year defensive coordinator. After all, Burke was in the running for several head coaching openings last season.
Still, the Texans are trying to make history and avoid it at the same time. The only way to do that is to shake up the until somethng clicks.
DeMeco Ryans when asked about defensive communication struggles voluntarily tells the media he’s taking back over calling the plays on defense:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) October 7, 2026
“If there’s a lack in communication, I look at myself first & making sure I’m a better communicator. To help spark things more I’m… pic.twitter.com/4kQWTpL9fc
"I'm not in this role to please a lot of people's opinion. I have to do what's best for this team and make sure I'm leading in that way," Ryans said. "Unfortunately, everybody isn't happy when you make changes, when you make decisions from my chair, everybody isn't happy. That's okay, because I know everything that I try to do and strive to do is for the men in that locker room to give those guys as best chance as possible to go out and win our first football game.”
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon on CBS from Nissan Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC DeMeco Ryans calls audible, takes over play-calling duties vs. Titans
