25 Facts About DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco Ryans is an American professional football coach and former linebacker who is the head coach of the Houston Texans of the National Football League.

DeMeco Ryans was selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft, where he was recognized as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

DeMeco Ryans was selected to two Pro Bowls before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012, where he spent four seasons before retiring.

DeMeco Ryans joined the San Francisco 49ers as a coaching assistant in 2017 and coached the inside linebackers from 2018 to 2020 before being named their defensive coordinator in 2021.

DeMeco Ryans was hired as the head coach for the Texans in 2023, taking the team to the playoffs in his first season in that role.

DeMeco Ryans attended Jess Lanier High School in Bessemer, where he played high school football.

DeMeco Ryans attended the University of Alabama, where he played outside linebacker for coach Mike Shula's Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 2002 to 2005.

DeMeco Ryans started his career by earning a role on special teams and backup linebacker in his first season.

DeMeco Ryans was selected with the first pick of the second round in the 2006 NFL draft by the Texans.

DeMeco Ryans was the highest-selected Alabama linebacker since Dwayne Rudd was selected 20th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1997.

DeMeco Ryans had an overwhelming impact as a rookie, leading the Texans in tackles in the first half of the 2006 season.

DeMeco Ryans was named the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after finishing second in the league with 155 total tackles, 31 more tackles than the next rookie.

In 2007, DeMeco Ryans was named a first-team All-Pro linebacker and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009.

On March 30,2010, DeMeco Ryans signed a six-year extension worth $48 million, including $21.75 million guaranteed.

On March 20,2012, DeMeco Ryans was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round draft pick and a swap of third-round picks between the two teams.

DeMeco Ryans was immediately inserted as the team's starting middle linebacker.

In 2013, DeMeco Ryans improved even further, leading the team in tackles once more with 127, while recording career highs in sacks, interceptions, and interception return yardage.

On November 3,2014, DeMeco Ryans was placed on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles tendon.

On February 28,2017, DeMeco Ryans was hired by the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach.

On January 18,2021, DeMeco Ryans was promoted to defensive coordinator following the departure of Robert Saleh, who left to become the head coach of the New York Jets.

In 2022, DeMeco Ryans' unit finished as the top defense in football by DVOA, second by weighted DVOA, fifth against the pass, and second against the rush.

On January 31,2023, DeMeco Ryans was hired as head coach of the Houston Texans, the same franchise he started his professional NFL career for, after signing a six-year contract.

DeMeco Ryans was the third head coach hired in the last three offseasons by the Texans.

In 2024, DeMeco Ryans is the first of three Pro Bowl linebackers to be a head coach in 2024.

DeMeco Ryans is a Christian and attends Bessemer 24th church of Christ.