Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Set to Take Over Defensive Play-Calling Duties From DC Matt Burke Following 0-4 Start

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans will call the defensive plays in Week 5 against the Titans.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Set to Take Over Defensive Play-Calling Duties From DC Matt Burke Following 0-4 Start

(L) DeMeco Ryans and (R) Danielle Hunter (Image via IMAGO)

DeMeco Ryans is finally making a move. Ryans is taking over the defensive play-calling duties for the Houston Texans.

From 2023 until the Texans’ fourth defeat of the season on Monday, defensive coordinator Matt Burke called plays. Two days after the loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Ryans announced the change. He said via. KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson:

It all starts with me. 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, gonna take over the play-calling for the defense, and I’m gonna make sure that communication is right.

But that doesn’t imply that Burke is out of a job. Ryans still trusts Burke, and he is still a part of the staff. Ryans only wants to make sure the Texans rediscover the gusto that terrorized NFL offenses.

Several analysts may have pointed fingers at the misfiring offense led by quarterback CJ Stroud, but the defense has failed to control games early in the current campaign.

According to ESPN analytics, the Texans’ defense ranked second in DVOA, behind only the Seattle Seahawks last year. Through the first four weeks, they have dropped to 15th in the league. In 2025, the Texans allowed an Offensive EPA per play of -0.16, the NFL’s lowest. So far, they have allowed the sixth-highest offensive EPA per play of +0.02.

The Texans’ odds of qualifying for a fourth straight playoff in the DeMeco Ryans era are stacked against them. Only the 1992 San Diego Chargers have played postseason football after starting 0-4.  

Texans star edge Will Anderson Jr. has welcomed the news. He said via Aaron Wilson:

Coach [Matt] Burke did a really good job. DeMeco brings his style of play; we still got to do our job no matter who’s calling the plays. Trying to find a way to get these wins, it’s the decision upstairs. Play will be called; we got to execute.

Ryans’ decision to take over as defensive play caller comes after USA Today’s Nate Davis listed the 42-year-old as one of nine head coaches who could be fired during or after this season.

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DeMeco Ryans is looking forward to facing the Titans for one particular reason

In Week 5, the Texans host the Tennessee Titans for a big rivalry game. Ryans is looking forward to linking up with an old friend.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Set to Take Over Defensive Play-Calling Duties From DC Matt Burke Following 0-4 Start
#7 Texans quarterback CJ Stroud and (R) DeMeco Ryans (Image via IMAGO)

Titans head coach Robert Saleh and Ryans have known each other since their days with the San Francisco 49ers. In 2017, the Niners appointed Saleh defensive coordinator and brought in Ryans as defensive quality control coach.

Ryans credited Saleh for helping him become a better coach:

It’s fun going up against a very close friend. Saleh means a lot to me. Why I was able to progress in coaching very quickly: Robert Saleh had a lot to do with that; it all started with him. Very fond of him.

Saleh left the Niners in 2021 to coach the New York Jets. The Niners elevated Ryans to defensive coordinator. Sunday’s fixture will be their second meeting. They first went head-to-head in December 2023. Ryans’s Texans won 12-6 that day.

The Texans-Titans fixture has been played 48 times. The series is currently tied 24-24. Sunday’s result should break the tie, with one team finally earning their first victory of the year. Or, worse, they play out a draw. According to SB Nation, the Texans are 6.5-point favorites over the Titans.

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