NFL Rumors: 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans the Favorite to Become Texans' New HC

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is considered the "front-runner" to be the next head coach of the Houston Texans, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 49ers are still alive in the playoffs, however, and the team cannot conduct a second interview with Ryans until after Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon also has "strong support within the Houston organization."

The Texans previously held second interviews with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

Ryans is still a top candidate in this cycle and has been linked to multiple openings, interviewing with both the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported the Texans would be the "top choice" for Ryans if offered the position.

The 38-year-old led the NFL's No. 1 defense this past season in both yards and points allowed, helping the team reach the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons. The 49ers allowed more than 20 points in just three of 17 regular-season games, which was a major reason the team went 13-4 despite using three different starting quarterbacks.

Ryans also spent 10 years in the NFL as a player, including six with the Texans from 2006-11. The former linebacker earned two Pro Bowl selections and was the 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year after being drafted in the second round out of Alabama.

It could make him the perfect candidate to turn things around in Houston after the team finished just 3-13-1 in 2022 with a defense that ranked 30th in yards allowed. The Texans are seeking a new head coach for the third offseason in a row after firing David Culley and Lovie Smith respectively in the last two seasons.