DeMeco Ryans, in his first year as Texans HC, gets snubbed of the Coach of the Year award by just ‘1’ first-place vote

DeMeco Ryans led the Texans to the playoffs after four years gap.

DeMeco Ryans, in his first year as Texans HC, gets snubbed of the Coach of the Year award by just ‘1’ first-place vote

DeMeco Ryans and Kevin Stefanski (Via Imago)

The battle for the Coach of the Year Award 2023 was intense. Two people, DeMeco Ryans and Kevin Stefanski, competed fiercely, and Stefanski, the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, had the last laugh. He beat the Houston Texans coach by just one vote.

Both Ryans and Stefanski delivered success to their teams. Ryans took the Houston Texans to the playoffs after four years. On the other hand, Stefanski also had a great time in Cleveland as the team made it to the playoffs from one of the toughest divisions in the AFC. Apart from tough opponents, the team suffered due to their quarterback problem. DeShaun Watson suffered a major shoulder injury and was ruled out from the league. In addition, the backup quarterbacks also suffered injuries.

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Considering all these, the Browns head coach decided to give a chance to Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old QB was a free agent before joining the Browns. He was with the New York Jets but the latter released him last year. Flacco joined the team and provided a new shape. He helped the team win matches and took his team to the playoffs where they faced the Houston Texans.

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That was the second encounter that the team had against each other in the 2023-24 season. They faced each other in the regular season, also where the Browns emerged victorious. But, the team failed to repeat the same result in the postseason as they lost by 14-45. It was a devastating result for the Browns as the Texans thrashed them. CJ Stroud had one of his greatest performances in that game.

The result in the head-to-head clashes between the two coaches is on the same boat. However, Stefanski was favored by others most when it came to deciding the award.

DeMeco Ryans credited his rookie quarterback for the season’s success

After making it to the playoffs, Ryans provided all the flowers to the rookie quarterback CJ Stroud. He claimed that the team achieved this position because of the rookie quarterback. He thanked the quarterback for his tremendous contribution.

CJ Stroud and DeMeco Ryans
CJ Stroud and DeMeco Ryans (Via Yebscore/Texans Wire)
C.J. is the reason we’re in this position. He’s special. A special young man, special player. He continues to shine no matter how big the moment is--Our whole team is leaning on him and he has the shoulders to carry that weight, and he shows up week after week, continues to improve week after week. No moment is too big for him. The confidence he gives to our whole team is so cool to watch, and we’re looking forward to moving on.
Ryans stated post Browns Wildcard game

It is to be seen how DeMeco Ryans and CJ Stroud prepare for the next season. After the tremendous performance of the Texans this season, the fans will have high hopes for them.

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