DeMeco Ryans takes over Texans’ defensive play-calling
After Houston opened the 2026 season 0-4, the head coach said he would assume the duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday, October 7, 2026, that he would take over defensive play-calling from coordinator Matt Burke. The decision followed the Texans’ 0-4 start to the NFL season.
Ryans said he wanted to improve communication on defense and accepted responsibility for addressing the issue. The NFL reported the announcement and the circumstances behind the change.
Ryans cites communication as a priority
Ryans described the change as an effort to streamline communication and help the defense respond to its struggles. He said the move was not a slight against Burke, who had served as Houston’s defensive coordinator since 2023.
The NFL report said Houston’s defense ranked 20th during the team’s winless opening four weeks. Under Ryans and Burke, the Texans had finished with the league’s No. 1-ranked defense in 2025 and No. 6-ranked defense in 2024.
Late leads slipped away
Houston’s first four games featured costly late defensive sequences. In Week 1, the Texans surrendered a seven-play, 96-yard touchdown drive to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the final three minutes of a 36-31 loss.
In Week 3, the Indianapolis Colts covered 29 yards in six plays to set up Spencer Shrader for a game-winning field goal, after C.J. Stroud had led Houston on a touchdown drive to take a late lead.
The latest defeat came against the Dallas Cowboys. Houston led 23-13 early in the third quarter and later mounted a nine-play, 87-yard touchdown drive. Dallas then went 74 yards in under two minutes, with Dak Prescott throwing a 12-yard game-winning touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb.
Next up: Tennessee
The Texans were scheduled to visit the 0-4 Tennessee Titans in Week 5, according to the NFL report. Ryans said his aim was to give Houston the best chance to earn its first win of the season.
Rédaction
Ryans’ decision places defensive play-calling directly with Houston’s head coach as the Texans seek to improve after a 0-4 start.
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Source officielle · 07/10/2026 20:18
