Report: Texans Hiring DeMeco Ryans from 49ers as HC Draws 'Rave Reviews' Around NFL

The Houston Texans seemingly made a good call in hiring San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as the team's next head coach.

The move has "drawn rave reviews around the league," according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic on Saturday.

Ryans led a defense that ranked No. 1 in the NFL in both yards and points allowed this year, but his support goes beyond just his recent numbers.

Howe reported the 38-year-old is "incredibly respected by his peers and has been viewed as a rising star for years."

The Denver Broncos showed significant interest in Ryans this offseason and made a late push to hire him away from the Texans before settling on Sean Payton, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Ryans, who spent six years in Houston as a player, said it was a clear choice to join the Texans.

"It wasn't a difficult decision to come to H-town," he told reporters. "It was very easy."

Signing a six-year deal also gives Ryans more job security with a franchise that has fired coaches after just one season in back-to-back years.

The Texans have a long road to contention after finishing 3-13-1 last season, which followed back-to-back four-win seasons. The offense ranked 30th in points scored and has major questions at quarterback, while the defense ranked 27th in points allowed.

Despite the challenge ahead, Ryan's six years as a coach with the 49ers after 10 years in the NFL as a player should give him all the experience needed to succeed in his new role.