Lovie Smith Fired / Head Coaching Search / DeMeco Ryans Hired!

[Keith]

Didn't wait until the annual Black Monday tradition of firing head coaches the first day after the conclusion of the regular season. For the second year in a row, the Texans have fired a head coach.

Lovie Smith reportedly has three more years due to him. Iirc, his predecessor David Culley has at least one more, maybe two?

Lovie was always something of a stopgap. Brian Flores sued the team, and no one seemingly wanted to be in Houston with the Deshaun Watson issue still unresolved. Theoretically, the position is somewhat more desirable if only because it couldn't get much worse.

Lots of flashy candidate names out there. Doubt any will come, but I would like to see DeMeco Ryans and the Texans have mutual interest. The early buzz though is that Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon and Lions OC Ben Johnson are favorites.

[chuck]

Speaking of suing the team, there is no way Demeco is going to come to the Texans. He sued the team over their jink ass field and he knows first had what a shitshow the place is.

Lovie was always a stopgap, true, but I'm pretty sure the team fired the wrong guy.

[Keith]

Yes, I remember now that Aaron Wilson or someone reported that earlier re: DeMeco. And there is virtually no significant talk of him coming here. Another in a long line of disappointments.

The talk of Gannon a year ago was that he wanted some say in his assistants that for whatever reason the Texans didn't want to give him. Gannon had like 3 interviews and was a finalist but then things got weird with the Flores suit, the Easterby influence, etc.

It's not my money, but by hiring two consecutive stopgaps, the McNairs are paying both Culley and Smith an extra three years for their one year of service. Good for them. For whatever faults, Lovie surely maintained some respect in the league for how the Texans performed dating back to Week 14 (except for that horrid game agains the Jaguars).

[chuck]

Lovie has his share of faults and made more than his share of mistakes and is nowhere near the ideal coach for the team, but he is a very experienced head coach who fits the bill of head coach. A guy like Culley was set up to fail. As you point out, he gets to collect (large) paychecks for a while, so good for him.

I can't imagine any attractive candidate is going to want to work for Caserio, but we'll see.

[Keith]

Yeah, I don't imagine guys like Payton or Harbaugh have any interest.

fwiw...
@ChronBrianSmith
The Texans have interest in DeMeco Ryans for their recently opened HC job.
Up to Ryans if the interest is mutual but the Texans are interested in him.
10:46 AM · Jan 9, 2023https://twitter.com/ChronBrianSmith/status/1612491049284562947

[chuck]

I have interest in Scarlett Johansson.

[Keith]

Up to Scarlett if the interest is mutual, noted.

[Keith]

Nick Caserio, perhaps learning from last year, isn't messing around this time.
@RapSheet
A few more #Texans requests: DeMeco Ryans of the #49ers and Jonathan Gannon of the #Eagles… plus #Broncos DC Ejiro Evero, sources say.

Plenty of impressive young names.

Quote Tweet
@TomPelissero
29m
The #Texans requested an interview with #Lions OC Ben Johnson for their head coaching job, per source.

2:54 PM · Jan 9, 2023https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1612553366734774298


@RapSheet
Another impressive young coach: The #Texans have put in to interview #Eagles OC Shane Steichen, source said.
3:07 PM · Jan 9, 2023https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1612556723172134932

[Warren]

FWIW, DeMeco eventually dropped the Texans and the NFL from the lawsuit, but that was probably because he would have had to go to arbitration to pursue claims against them. Looks like in 2021 he settled with Harris County Sports & Convention Corp. (the stadium owner), the stadium management company, and the turf company.

Obviously less than ideal to have been previously sued by an apparently in-demand guy that they may be interested in hiring, but I don’t think you can assume that he’s not interested based on that fact. Some people are able to compartmentalize these things, especially when there are limited opportunities for these jobs. Also not to say that there aren't other reasons for him not to be interested.

[Keith]

@AaronWilson_NFL
#Texans put in request to interview Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, according to a league source
4:38 PM · Jan 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1612941968694296576

[Keith]

@PSchrags
The Houston Texans have also requested permission from the New Orleans Saints to speak with Sean Payton, per sources. He cannot formally interview with any team until January 17th.
@nflnetwork @gmfb @NFLonFOX
2:42 PM · Jan 11, 2023https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/1613275206721720329

Broncos and Cardinals are also seeking to interview Payton.

[Keith]

Texans interview Ben Johnson today (Thursday), Shane Steichen tomorrow, and Ejiro Evero on Monday. Evero is interviewing with the Colts today.

No word on whether DeMeco Ryans will want to be scheduled. He is focused on the playoffs. Sean Payton can't interview until next week, if he even does. Jonathan Gannon and Mike Kafka interviews TBD I suppose.

[nunusguy]

Texans interview Ben Johnson today (Thursday), Shane Steichen tomorrow, and Ejiro Evero on Monday. Evero is interviewing with the Colts today.

No word on whether DeMeco Ryans will want to be scheduled. He if focused on the playoffs. Sean Payton can't interview until next week, if he even does. Jonathan Gannon and Mike Kafka interviews TBD I suppose.

It' good news that they are moving this quickly on a new hire, and yes we do need some young blood instead of another ole timer.
I really like Ryans but I'd rather have an offensive-mined coach than a defensive guy like Ryans. Oh BTW Demeco is married to a Houston native which could be a factor on his interest about coaching back here, but I say top priority lets get somebody who specializes in offenses so we can figure out what to do at QB.

[Keith]

@TomPelissero
The #Texans requested an interview with #Rams assistant head coach/TE coach Thomas Brown for their head coaching job, per source.

Houston is looking for a young coach to grow with a young team, and Brown fits the mold.
10:36 AM · Jan 12, 2023https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1613575719728123905

[Keith]

Gannon interview scheduled for Saturday.

[Keith]

@PatrickStormHTX
Cal McNair a short bit ago on 610 was asked if they have had any interview requests declined..

“No”
10:15 AM · Jan 13, 2023https://twitter.com/PatrickStormHTX/status/1613932791804350466

[Keith]

Thomas Brown interview scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday 1/17). Today is supposed to be Evero, moved to tomorrow. Interviews completed as expected for Johnson, Streichen, and Gannon. Payton should be later this week? And Ryans supposedly hasn't turned down the Texans (yet?).

[Keith]

DeMeco Ryans believed to be interviewing with the Texans on Thursday or Friday.

@AdamSchefter
Colts submitted a request to interview 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans for their HC, per sources.

Ryan’s schedule is jammed. He will start his HC interviews Thursday with the Broncos, and is expected to meet with Colts, Texans and Cardinals before Sunday’s playoff game.
10:55 AM · Jan 16, 2023https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1615029929296396296
@JamesPalmerTV
Kyle Shanahan told reporters today that he thinks DeMeco Ryans' interviews with the #broncos and #texans should happen Thursday and Friday this week. So it seems Ryans will in fact interview with Houston. The team that drafted him and where he played for 6 seasons.
1:53 PM · Jan 16, 2023https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1615074813835612160

[Keith]

@AaronWilson_NFL
#Texans have completed an interview with Sean Payton, per a league source
7:24 PM · Jan 16, 2023https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1615158193897750530
@nick_underhill
Payton told @TheHerd he believes the compensation to the Saints will be a “mid or later first-round pick”
1:41 PM · Jan 16, 2023https://twitter.com/nick_underhill/status/1615071814182469645

Evero was originally supposed to be interviewed today, now moved to tomorrow along with the Thomas interview. I wonder if he got bumped so the Texans could focus on Payton today? I do not like the idea of giving up any compensation to hire any head coach, including Payton, but if they only lost their second rounder and not #12 overall, I guess I could live with that. A little surprising anyone of any repute wants to talk the Texans, so beggars and choosers and whatnot.

[Keith]

The official site tweeted out that they concluded interviews with Evero at 12:03pm and with Thomas at 1:40m. Seems like a quick turnaround, so unsure whether we should read into this that neither (minority) candidates are being considered very seriously? :confused:

[Keith]

@TomPelissero
#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed interested teams he’s staying in Detroit, per sources.

Johnson was slated to travel Wednesday to interview with the #Panthers. But he feels Detroit is building something special and wants to see it through. Should be a hot HC name again next year.
6:37 PM · Jan 17, 2023https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1615508570375593989
Odd. Could be a cynic and say Ben didn't like the Houston job, but he's walking away from at least three teams willing to interview him (Texans, Colts, & Panthers). Could say maybe he knows he isn't getting the job, but again, all three? And no word that the Lions are giving him more money to stay? Hmm.

Panthers guys think this means Payton is going to Carolina, which who knows maybe, but it would seem a little odd for the Saints to trade Payton within the division. I guess if I had to guess who was coming to Houston eventually, my guess would be Gannon today.

[Keith]

@RapSheet
Some of the coaching interviews scheduled for this week and weekend:
— #Giants OC Mike Kafka is set for interviews Sunday with #Colts, #Panthers and #Texans.
— #Giants DC Wink Martindale has #Colts on Sunday.
— #49ers DC DeMeco Ryans has the #Broncos today, #Texans on Friday.
7:32 AM · Jan 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1616066077556973568

So Ryans on Friday and Kafka on Sunday.

Word is the Broncos and Texans are willing to pay both the lofty salary demands of Payton as well as the draft pick compensation to the Saints. I think the Panthers will be too. I'd pick the Broncos as favorites of the three assuming he goes anywhere.

My preference is still Ryans, so I am of course encouraged he's at least interviewing. Still think Gannon is most likely, but I am intrigued by Kafka.

[barrett]

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1616066077556973568

So Ryans on Friday and Kafka on Sunday.

Word is the Broncos and Texans are willing to pay both the lofty salary demands of Payton as well as the draft pick compensation to the Saints. I think the Panthers will be too. I'd pick the Broncos as favorites of the three assuming he goes anywhere.

My preference is still Ryans, so I am of course encouraged he's at least interviewing. Still think Gannon is most likely, but I am intrigued by Kafka.

My preference is Ryans too. If he won't come, I guess I don't mind losing a draft pick to get Sean Payton to be the adult in the room.

[chuck]

I'm hoping for Kafka because that would be too perfect.

[Keith]

Ryans and Kafka interviews have been completed. Apparently the Ryans interview was rather long. Then there was this:
@JayGlazer
49ers Def. Coord DeMeco Ryans had 4 HC interviews lined up yesterday, got through 1st two (Broncos and Texans) then canceled the other two remaining in Cards & Colts so he could spend rest of day working on today’s game vs Cowboys more
5:28 PM · Jan 22, 2023https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/1617303145104957440
So... why did he schedule them if he knew he needed more time to game plan? The optimist here says that's how successful the interview was with the Texans. Plus, Glazer specifies the Cardinals and Colts interviews were canceled, not postponed.

[Keith]

Kafka will have a second interview on Tuesday, in person. Evero will have his second interview on Wednesday in person.

Since the Eagles and 49ers are still alive in the playoffs, Gannon, Steichen, and Ryan are unable to have a second interview, if desired, until next week.

Payton reportedly completed his first interview with the Panthers yesterday and may have one coming up with the Cardinals. Seems a second one with the Broncos is expected. No update on any second interview with the Texans.

[Keith]

Panthers have hired Frank Reich. Rumors swirling in Denver now that they favor DeMeco Ryans as their hire. Irsay rumored to want to bring back Jeff Saturday, so there's your new laughingstock.

[Warren]

Ryans and Kafka interviews have been completed. Apparently the Ryans interview was rather long. Then there was this:
https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/1617303145104957440
So... why did he schedule them if he knew he needed more time to game plan? The optimist here says that's how successful the interview was with the Texans. Plus, Glazer specifies the Cardinals and Colts interviews were canceled, not postponed.
Not a definitive answer to the cancel/postpone question, but if the 49ers make the Super Bowl then (from what I can tell) the Cardinals and Colts can’t have a first interview with him until after the Super Bowl. Only second interviews with coaches on the Super Bowl teams are allowed in the week between the conference championship and the Super Bowl, and only if the 49ers permit it. So I’m going to guess that even if those interviews were officially postponed, DeMeco had to understand that there’s a really good chance that they’d never happen.

[Blitzwood]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35550724/sources-niners-demeco-ryans-favorite-texans-hc-job?platform=amp


“San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is considered the favorite for the Houston Texans' head-coaching job, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.“

Really hoping this pans out, usually reporting from Shefter spot on.

If it is, LFG!!!

[Keith]

@DavidGrzyTV
Jonathan Gannon to @BrelandFOX29 after the game.

“Philly is keeping me. Good bad or indifferent I’m staying here.”
5:50 PM · Jan 29, 2023https://twitter.com/DavidGrzyTV/status/1619845562244943872

Sounding more and more like the Texans will be hiring DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach. Dreams really do come true. :p

[nunusguy]

https://twitter.com/DavidGrzyTV/status/1619845562244943872

Sounding more and more like the Texans will be hiring DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach. Dreams really do come true. :p

Maybe the Texans want DeMeco, but does DeMeco want the Texans as his new employer ? If not, dream on.

[Keith]

It's happening!!! Six years!!
@adamschefter
former 49ers’ defensive coordinator demeco ryans and the houston texans reached agreement today on a six-year deal, per sources. Texans have their new head coach.
3:24 pm · jan 31, 2023https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status/1620533383439994880

[bikerack]

This won't ever really come out but credit Mrs. McNair (Bob's widow) with playing a part in getting Ryans back. She has always loved him like a son and has kept in touch with him since he left Houston. The feeling is very mutual between them.

Greg Grissom also did work behind the scenes to make it happen.

[bikerack]

Pep may stick around as QB coach. He doesn't want to uproot his son, who is a local HS QB.

It really depends on how many offensive coaches that Kyle Shanahan blocks from leaving SF.

[Keith]

How many Kubiaks are in play? :confused: :D

[Keith]

@jjones9
The Houston Texans have requested permission to interview Bengals WR coach Troy Walters for their offensive coordinator position, per source.
4:27 PM · Jan 31, 2023https://twitter.com/jjones9/status/1620549324185964544

[Warren]

https://twitter.com/jjones9/status/1620549324185964544
Troy Walters trivia: he is a product of College Station A&M Consolidated High School. His father was the Texas A&M DBs coach at the time. The WRs coach on that staff? An up-and-comer by the name of David Culley. The RBs coach (for part of the time)? Gary Kubiak. The OL coach? Mike Sherman, who would later hire Troy as A&M’s WRs coach.

[Warren]

@AaronWilson_NFL
#Texans requested permission to interview 49ers passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik, per a league source, in addition to Bengals receivers coach Troy Walters

https://twitter.com/aaronwilson_nfl/status/1620594175917064192?s=46&t=fDVd5wyR___t8ktbqz-ZKg

Slowik’s father is also a longtime assistant coach (currently in the CFL), but no known A&M connections. :)

[Keith]

Aaron Wilson also reported added 49ers passing defense/secondary coach Cory Undlin and Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel as defensive coordinator candidates. Mentioned 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, but Niners may be looking to retain him. Undlin (Lions) and Manuel (Falcons) are former DCs, the latter a target to also join Frank Reich's staff as the Panthers DC.

The Texans have interest in 49ers defensive passing game specialist-secondary coach Cory Undlin and New York Jets safeties coach and former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel for their defensive coordinator job, according to sources.

Undlin, 51, was previously a defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions under former coach Matt Patricia before the staff was fired after the 2020 season. He has been an assistant coach for the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Lions and 49ers. ...

https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2023/01/31/source-texans-request-interview-with-bengals-receivers-coach-troy-walters-for-offensive-coordinator-job-looking-at-marquand-manuel-others-for-defensive-coordinator/

[Keith]

Patriots TE coach Nick Caley also said to have interviewed for the OC job. Coming from New England makes him sound like more of a Caserio guy unlike the others who seem like they have connections to DeMeco.

[Warren]

Kenyon Green should be flattered by all of the #59 jerseys that are going to be at NRG. Just like Jonathan Wells and all of the #32s the first year.

[barrett]

Patriots TE coach Nick Caley also said to have interviewed for the OC job. Coming from New England makes him sound like more of a Caserio guy unlike the others who seem like they have connections to DeMeco.

It's a problem for me that their offense was a train wreck and both of his offensive bosses got fired. Then he got passed over to replace them. Not sure what about his work in NE could make him qualified for a promotion.

[Keith]

Catching up on news of DeMeco's staff...@AaronWilson_NFL
#Texans new chief of staff is Nick Kray, per league sources. Previously 49ers' chief of staff for Kyle Shanahan and administrative assistant to the head coach, with prior stints at North Carolina State, Yale. Played defensive end at Eastern Illinois
7:38 PM · Feb 9, 2023https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1623858975904088064
Kray is maybe best known as the Bumpboxx boombox-carrying guy from the Niners.

@TomPelissero
As new #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans sorts out his staff, he is retaining head strength and conditioning coach Mike Eubanks, who has been with the team since 2018. Some continuity amidst a lot of changes in Houston.
7:25 AM · Feb 10, 2023https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1624036734563663872

@AaronWilson_NFL
Sources: Frank Ross under contract, expected back as #Texans special teams coordinator
12:12 PM · Feb 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1624109079130931209

@RapSheet
Sources: The #Texans are expected to hire #AZCardinals DL coach Matt Burke as their new defensive coordinator on DeMeco Ryans’ staff. The former #Dolphins DC, Burke is the first big hire for Ryans in Houston.
8:56 AM · Feb 10, 2023https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1624059804074344449

@DanGrazianoESPN
Per sources, former Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury is in Houston today, speaking to the Texans about a job on DeMeco Ryans’ coaching staff.
12:14 PM · Feb 10, 2023https://twitter.com/DanGrazianoESPN/status/1624109578354036736
Kingsbury last heard was headed for Bangkok. :D He reportedly gave Bryce Young his first college scholarship offer ...over 6.5 years ago.

#Texans are hiring #49ers defensive quality control coach Stephen Adegoke as safeties coach, per a league source
6:14 PM · Feb 10, 2023https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1624200132030877696

[Keith]

@TomPelissero
The #Texans are hiring Bobby Slowik as their offensive coordinator, per sources.

Slowik and DeMeco Ryans spent the past six seasons together in San Francisco, both starting their NFL coaching careers as defensive quality controls. Now, Ryans brings Slowik along as OC.
10:13 AM · Feb 12, 2023https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1624803959801262081

[Keith]

@AaronWilson_NFL
#Texans hire Jerrod Johnson as quarterbacks coach per league source 12:41 PM · Feb 12, 2023https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1624841121791606784
Warren will have some A&M connections to share on this one. And suffice it to say, Pep Hamilton will not return to the Texans this season.

@AaronWilson_NFL
Sources: #Texans expected to hire former #49ers defensive passing game specialist-secondary coach Cory Undlin as defensive passing game coordinator.10:34 AM · Feb 14, 2023https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1625533997966032896

[Warren]

https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1624841121791606784
Warren will have some A&M connections to share on this one. And suffice it to say, Pep Hamilton will not return to the Texans this season.
Johnson played QB at A&M under former Texans OC Mike Sherman. He was impressive as a junior -- 30 TDs/8 Ints. Because Johnson was entrenched as the starter (and because the WR depth chart was… not deep), sophomore QB and future first-rounder Ryan Tannehill played mostly at WR that year. As a senior, Johnson struggled (I believe that it was eventually confirmed that he was playing with a shoulder injury) and late in the season lost the starting job to Tannehill. He was not drafted and spent time with the Steelers, Seahawks, Bears, Ravens, and Cowboys, but never stuck on a regular season roster. He also had stints in the CFL and in a couple now-defunct minor leagues. I think that he also did some private QB coaching during that time, and recorded a couple songs (check your music streaming platform of choice). His break as a coach came in 2017, when he served as a coaching intern in the 49ers’ training camp (Kyle Shanahan's first as head coach). The defensive quality control coaches on that SF staff were his future Texans bosses, DeMeco and Slowik.

[painekiller]

Johnson played QB at A&M under former Texans OC Mike Sherman. He was impressive as a junior -- 30 TDs/8 Ints. Because Johnson was entrenched as the starter (and because the WR depth chart was… not deep), sophomore QB and future first-rounder Ryan Tannehill played mostly at WR that year. As a senior, Johnson struggled (I believe that it was eventually confirmed that he was playing with a shoulder injury) and late in the season lost the starting job to Tannehill. He was not drafted and spent time with the Steelers, Seahawks, Bears, Ravens, and Cowboys, but never stuck on a regular season roster. He also had stints in the CFL and in a couple now-defunct minor leagues. I think that he also did some private QB coaching during that time, and recorded a couple songs (check your music streaming platform of choice). His break as a coach came in 2017, when he served as a coaching intern in the 49ers’ training camp (Kyle Shanahan's first as head coach). The defensive quality control coaches on that SF staff were his future Texans bosses, DeMeco and Slowik.

He coached here at St. Thomas HS, OC, I believe. They had a solid season at my old HS. He got another invite to an NFL camp and he went. IMO as an Aggie also, he never fully got his arm strength back from the hurt shoulder, had the brains but could not make all the throws anymore. When he graduated I thought he was a perfect fit for Kubiaks offense. I wasn't aware until later about the shoulder.

When he got the QB Coach job here I was very happy to see that. He has worked with CJ at some camp and they seem to have a good relationship.

Lance Z, said the knock on CJ that had him appear to tumble was he has had issues with being coached. It is said he did not get along with the OC in OSU. Also it is said he has trust issues with men due to his father's problems, and CJ has to trust the coaches working with him. Johnson seems to have his trust. Time will tell. This is the perfect offense for him, and he for it.

Crossing my fingers.