On the verge
A homecoming 11 years in the making.
The Houston Texans fan base is on the verge of being able to celebrate a homecoming, one no one ever envisioned back in March of 2012. DeMeco Ryans is on the cusp of becoming the 6th head coach in Texans Franchise history. While right now it’s just words and reports, it’s all but a done deal and paper awaiting a signature. DeMeco has emerged as a top head coaching candidate over the last two seasons, participating last season in an interview with the Minnesota Vikings before pulling his name from the running and returning to San Francisco for the 2022 campaign. This year, he has really been one of the most sought-after candidates, interviewing first with the Denver Broncos and then the Houston Texans. Shortly after Ryans interviewed with the Texans, he canceled interviews with the Colts and Cardinals. This was the first sign that his list of possible destinations was getting smaller.
This week Texans fans were caught off guard by reports that the Broncos had zeroed in on DeMeco and it was possible they would spring on him quickly. Shortly after this report went out, Chairman Cal McNair and GM Nick Caserio wasted no time and made a play to secure Ryans. With this in motion, Ryans informed the Broncos that he had his sights set elsewhere, and Houston has emerged as his preferred destination. A homecoming for he and his wife, 11 years in the making.
As excited as any fan, I do understand what this franchise has been through over the last two seasons, and I understand that the only thing that will matter after the pomp and circumstance settles, is winning on Sundays. Ryans has risen quickly through the ranks in San Fran, but it’s no secret the things he possesses which could make him a great head coach. He has led a talented 49ers defense to top of many categories over the last two seasons and was on the verge of heading to the Super Bowl, had it not ultimately been for injuries on the offense that just made a win against the explosive Eagles possible. The hope of every fan is Ryans can bring that tenacity to Houston, the dominance on defense, and help turn this franchise around to winning ways.
While I sit here and write this tonight, I cannot help but feel this sense of relief that the Texans may have finally hit a home run with their next head coach, a fan favorite, and hopefully the one that can help lead this organization to a game being played in February, the Super Bowl. Now we get to spend the next few weeks watching his staff be assembled, visits with potential draftees, free agency, the draft and so much more!
FINALLY!