DeMeco Ryans is returning to where it all began, with the Houston Texans naming him their next head coach.

Back in 2006, he was chosen 33rd overall by the Texans in the NFL entry draft, the highest selection at the time for an Alabama linebacker since Dwayne Rudd was drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 1997.

Over the past two seasons, he served as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, who allowed the fewest yards per game in 2022 (300.6) while leading the NFL in turnover differential.

In addition, the Niners were impressive against the run, allowing an average of 77.7 yards per game this season, the second lowest mark in the league and a significant contrast from how the Texans fared against opposing rushing attacks, conceding the worst run average in the NFL (170.2 yards).

As a player with the Texans from 2006-2011, Ryans was a fan favourite and was named to the Pro Bowl on two occasions (2007 and 2009), while also winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, registering 126 solo tackles along with 3.5 sacks in 2006.

Ryans will be the third head coach for Houston since the 2021 season and will replace Lovie Smith, who was fired following the conclusion of the 2022 campaign.

Houston went 3-13-1 in 2022, winning no more than four games in each of its previous three seasons.

The Texans chose Ryans after interviewing him along with Denver defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Rams assistant head coach Thomas Brown, former Saints coach Sean Payton, Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

During his time in Houston, Ryans began all 16 games in five of his six seasons, piling up 636 tackles, including 43 for losses and 8 1/2 sacks.

He ended his playing career with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2012-2015 and has spent his entire coaching tenure in San Francisco.