The 2024 NFL season is underway, and the Houston Texans are hoping to advance to the Super Bowl and hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in franchise history. Who is the Texans’ current head coach, and how long has he held that position?

DeMeco Ryans’ Coaching Career

Prior to becoming a coach, Ryans was a standout linebacker in the NFL, suiting up for the Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. After a terrific collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide where Ryans was a consensus All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he was drafted in the second round (No. 33 overall) by the Texans in the 2006 NFL Draft. He made his presence felt immediately, starting 16 games and winning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over the course of his career, he totaled 971 tackles, 13.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions. He was a first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in tackles in 2006.

In 2017, he made the transition to coaching, joining the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach, and later working his way up to inside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. Ryans thrived as a coach, earning the AP Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2022 as the 49ers' DC. It didn't take long for Ryans to start getting head-coach buzz, and the Texans hired him as their head coach on Jan. 31, 2023 – a full circle moment since he took over the team that drafted him.

In his first year as head coach, Ryans led the Texans to a 10-7 record, securing a playoff berth and their seventh AFC South title. Houston made history by becoming the first NFL team to win their division with both a rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, and a first-year head coach. Ryans and Stroud also became the fourth rookie QB and head coach duo to win a playoff game, defeating the Cleveland Browns 45-14 in the Wild Card round.

Under Ryans, the Texans saw Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year, marking a sweep of the top rookie awards. Ryans was named the PFWA’s Coach of the Year, and the Texans boasted top-10 rankings in turnover margin and rushing defense. Ryans' leadership has revitalized the Texans, making them a rising force in the NFL.

What Is DeMeco Ryans’ Record As A Coach?

Ryans has a 15-8 regular-season record as a head coach, giving him a .652 winning percentage. In the playoffs, Ryans is 1-1 (.500). After leading the Texans to a 10-7 record in his first season as a head coach, the team is off to a 5-1 start in 2024.

Has DeMeco Ryans Ever Won the Super Bowl?

While Ryans has an incredible resume with a ton of impressive achievements, he has yet to win a Super Bowl. Interestingly, neither have the Texans, as they are just one of four NFL franchises to never appear in the Super Bowl. Ryans and Houston are looking to capture their first ring together.

How Old Is DeMeco Ryans?

Born on July 28, 1984 in Bessemer, Alabama, Ryans is only 40 years old. He is currently the seventh-youngest head coach in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is the oldest active coach at 66 years old, while the youngest is Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at 37 years old.

What Is DeMeco Ryans’ Salary and Net Worth?

Ryans signed a six-year contract with the Texans, paying him $28 million over the length of a deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That means Ryans is earning $4.6 million annually.

For comparison, the highest-paid head coaches in the NFL are Reid ($18 million), Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh ($16 million), Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay ($14 million), and Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin ($12.5 million).

Taking into account Ryans’ NFL contracts and endorsements with Nike, BodyArmor, and 13th Hour Sport, Ryans' net worth is estimated at $33 million. For comparison, Bill Belichick ($70 million) and Reid ($50 million) are the wealthiest head coaches.

Who Is DeMeco Ryans’ Wife?

DeMeco is married to Jamila Ryans, who was born on March 31, 1980. A registered nurse, she is involved in managing the DeMeco Ryans Foundation, an organization focused on philanthropy.

Jamila attended the University of Alabama, where she initially met DeMeco. The couple got married in June 2013, and they have two sons, MJ and Micah, and one daughter, Xia.