DeMeco Ryans gets candid about his coaching style in Houston: “You have to have a relationship with the guys”

DeMeco Ryans highlighted the significance of building a comfortable relationship with his players when asked about his coaching style.

DeMeco Ryans gets candid about his coaching style in Houston: “You have to have a relationship with the guys”

DeMeco Ryans (Via Imago)

The Houston Texans’ fate utterly changed when they hired DeMeco Ryans as the new head coach. They hit the jackpot after he drafted a brilliant talent like CJ Stroud in the 2023 NFL draft, who led the team to an astounding 10-7 season record and a playoff victory in his rookie season.

In a recent sit-down interview on Nightcap, head coach Ryans was asked about his coaching style as the team prepares for another winning season in 2024. The second-year coach responded by highlighting the significance of connecting and building a comfortable relationship with his players in order to navigate certain players in their specific way.

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You have to have a relationship with the guys. Like, you got to just right down, you gotta eat with guys, you gotta meet with guys, just talk to them one-on-one, like, what’s going on outside of football so you can really get to know that young man. Now, once you get that relationship, I can coach him up hard.
Demeco Ryans told host Chad Johnson

As a former NFL player himself, Ryans understands the importance of connecting with the team on a rooted and personal level. He believes that the coach should have a relationship of trust so the players can be comfortable with him, and he can foster them to reach their full potential.

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DeMeco Ryans emphasizes respect and connection in coaching approach

While talking on the subject, the Texans head coach shared that he doesn’t believe in coaching aggressively like cursing players and crossing the line of respect. His coaching style is straight and subtle– to bring great energy every day with his team, relate with the players, and get their attention above all. 

“I tell our guys, man, I care about you as a man. Being successful after football is over like I want you to be a great husband, great father, great leader to the community because that’s what gonna last,” said HC Ryans.

DeMeco Ryans with his team
DeMeco Ryans with his team (Via Pro Football Network)

Ryans considers himself evolved from the conventional style of coaching the team. Being relatively young compared to other head coaches in the league certainly gives the former NFL player an advantage in understanding his players’ needs and fostering strong relationships. 

Additionally, his turnout season made Ryans a runner-up for the Associated Press Coach of the Year honor last season. His coaching style may be modest, but it certainly doesn’t lack in giving the results. It’s his positive attitude and infectious energy that brought the Texans glory throughout last season which continues even today.

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