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Texans Coach Ryans Takes Over Defensive Play-Calling Amid 0-4 Start
Confirmed
In Short: Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced he will take over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke following the team's 0-4 start.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Wednesday that he will take over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke, a move aimed at addressing the team's defensive struggles. Ryans stated that this change was not a slight against Burke but an effort to streamline communication and energize the defense.
Ryans, who previously handed play-calling duties to Burke last season after an 0-3 start, emphasized that he is taking executive action to improve the team's defensive performance. The Texans have allowed 17 completions of 20+ yards and rank 26th in points allowed with 27.3 per game, according to theScore.
The Texans' defense, which ranked in the top 14 in both points and yards allowed in 2023 and 2024 under Ryans' previous play-calling, has struggled this season. They are currently ranked 20th in yards allowed and 26th in points allowed, noted NBC Sports.
Ryans explained his decision during Wednesday's press conference, saying, 'If there's a lack in communication, I look at myself first. So it starts with me and making sure I'm a better communicator. So just to help spark things more, I'm gonna take over play-calling for the defense, and I'm gonna make sure communication is right.'
The move comes after the Texans' most recent loss to the Buffalo Bills, a 36-31 shootout in which the Texans defense allowed 323 passing yards and two separate pass catchers to haul in over 100 yards each. This performance highlighted the team's defensive weaknesses, particularly in the secondary, noted Wlwt.
Ryans' decision to take over play-calling duties is seen as a significant change amid the team's 0-4 start. The Texans have not reached the postseason after such a terrible start since the 1992 San Diego Chargers, according to NFL.com.
While the Texans' defense ranked first in both points and yards allowed in 2022 under Ryans' leadership with the San Francisco 49ers, the current season has seen a stark decline. The team's defensive downturn has raised questions about the effectiveness of the coaching staff and the development of players like quarterback C.J. Stroud, noted Heavy.com.
Ryans assured his team that the change was not an indictment of Burke's performance but rather an effort to improve communication and spark the defense. He added, 'As for everybody else, we have to go out and do our job no matter who calls the plays.'
What this adds
The Texans' defensive struggles have been particularly evident in their pass defense, which has left much to be desired this season.
What's confirmed
- On Wednesday, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he will take over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke, a significant change amid his team's 0-4 start.
- The Texans have allowed 17 completions of 20+ yards.
- "If there's a lack in communication, I look at myself first. So it starts with me and making sure I'm a better communicator. So just to help spark things more, I'm gonna take over play-calling for the defense, and I'm gonna make sure communication is right."
- "No slight against Coach Burke, just want to make sure I can streamline communication in the best way possible.” The move seemed academic at this point, considering how Burke's unit—specifically, his secondary—had limped out to being one of the six worst scoring defenses in the NFL.
What's still developing
- Your one-stop shop for Houston Texans, local sports, and news from around the league for Tuesday September 29, 2026.
- Are the walls starting to close in on Houston’s coaching staff, or will these tribulations make them that much better?
- It’s no secret that the Texans defense - specifically their pass defense - has left much to be desired in 2026, and now, it appears that Ryans is taking executive action to attempt to steady this rocking ship.
- When Burrow spoke to the media after Wednesday’s practice, he said it was “gameday soreness” in his back and that he expects to play on Sunday.
- After missing Week 1, defensive end Shemar Stewart (knee) was a full participant, so he’s trending toward being able to play this week.
- This week, Cincinnati will aim to start the season 2-0 for a second consecutive season for the first time under Zac Taylor, as the Bengals head to the Lone Star State for a date with the Houston Texans.
- The Texans were missing a piece of their defensive line rotation at Wednesday’s practice.
- Clowney had a sack and two quarterback hits during Houston’s Week 1 loss to the Bills and head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that he thinks he’ll be back at practice on Thursday.
- Last season, one of Allen's worst performances of the year came in a Week 12 loss to the Texans, throwing two interceptions and failing to record a single passing touchdown.