In 2006, the Houston Texans drafted linebacker DeMeco Ryans in the second round. 16 years later, he returns to his old stomping grounds as head coach and lights new fire in the chronically unsuccessful franchise.

The Houston Texans could do with a new spirit of optimism at the moment.

The announcement of DeMeco Ryans as the new head coach and hopeful for the franchise comes at just the right time. After all, few people know the organisation as well as he does.

“I can’t thank you guys enough. I can’t thank you enough for the faith you guys have in me. For the opportunity to coach the team that drafted me in 2006. It’s surreal,” the 38-year-old said at his introductory press conference.

DeMeco Ryans: Longest tenure of his playing career with Texans

16 years ago, Ryans began his NFL career in Houston as a second-round pick under then-coach Gary Kubiak. The former linebacker finished his debut season with the most tackles among all rookies and was quite rightly named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

He stayed in the south of the USA until 2012, after which he went to Philadelphia to join the Eagles. In 2015 he finally ended his active career, took a break and then focused on his coaching career.

DeMeco Ryans: Shanahan’s lure answered

In 2017, he was then lured to the Bay Area by an old acquaintance. Kyle Shanahan, the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and a Texans player in various positions from 2006 to 2010, brought Ryans to California.

“For me, it was pretty easy with DeMeco. Watching him play football, you can see that he’s going to be successful in whatever he does in life. I was just thrilled that he told me he wanted to be a coach,” Shanahan revealed shortly after the installation.

And his move was to prove an exceedingly wise one in the years that followed. Within four years, Ryans rose from defensive quality control coach to defensive coordinator. In the two years he held that post, he shaped one of the best defensive lines in the entire NFL.

Warner and Bosa excited about DeMeco Ryans

“I wouldn’t be the player I am today without him,” linebacker Fred Warner directed warm words of gratitude to the new Texans HC.All-Pro Nick Bosa also joined in the praise. “I’m going to miss his laugh every day, his positive vibe and his understanding of the game. “

DeMeco Ryans is FIRED UP pic.twitter.com/uizNYEwbIY

– KNBR (@KNBR) October 9, 2022

To see how close the bond must have been between the players and the coordinator, a simple glance at the screen is enough. On successful plays, cheers regularly erupted on the sidelines, the players celebrating Ryans and he celebrating his players. Just the way it should be.

This culture must now be established in Houston, almost 3,000 kilometres away, after another disappointing season with a record of 3-13-1. If Texans legend J.J. Watt is to be believed, there could hardly be a more suitable candidate for this undertaking.

LET’S GOOOOOOO!!!!!!

You want to reenergize and reignite the incredible Houston fan base, this is a hell of a start!!!

Cannot wait to see what Meco does.

One of the best teammates & leaders I’ve ever been around. HTown

https://t.co/DNAxePxoqz

– JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 31, 2023

“Let’s go! This is a great start to reinvigorating the Houston fan base and rekindling the fire. I can’t wait to see what DeMeco does. One of the best teammates and leaders I’ve ever had,” Watt tweeted after the deal was announced.

DeMeco Ryans: Plenty of time for plenty of work in Houston

And DeMeco will in all likelihood get what the Texans’ previous two head coaches were denied: time. He signed with his “dream job” for six years.

He didn’t want to go anywhere else anyway, the decision was a “no-brainer”. Music to the ears of those responsible, who, according to media reports, beat out the Denver Broncos, among others, in their efforts to win Ryans.

“I’m here, home in H-Town. It’s a dream job.”

// @DRyans59 pic.twitter.com/NvnAs2cV7P

– Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 2, 2023

But there also might not be a more difficult task in the NFL than molding this Texans team into a serious contender. The offense lacks an NFL-caliber starting quarterback as well as playmakers, Dameon Pierce and Brandon Cooks excluded. The talented defense led by 2022 rookies Derek Stingley and Jalen Pitre showed good signs, but is still inexperienced.

Houston Texans: Lots of resources for rebuild

Nevertheless, Ryans is looking forward with confidence to what awaits him. “I’m fired up. This is a young team, we’re on the cusp. We’ve got a few things to add, but I’m excited to get started and work with you young guys and build a successful program here at the Texans. “The two-time Pro Bowler, who once in a while focused on the attributes of “physicality” and “efficiency,” looked ahead to the future.

The necessary resources to build a team to his liking are at his disposal. The second and twelfth picks in this year’s draft belong to the Texans, plus they are just under $38 million under the cap, according to the portal “spotrac.com”. So the rebuild can come.

And who, if not DeMeco Ryans, should be the right man for it. In the place where it all began some 16 years ago.