David Montgomery’s latest comments offer a glimpse into the mindset behind his decision to join the Houston Texans. Without saying too much, his words hint at what made the opportunity stand out and why DeMeco Ryans continues to leave an impression. There is more beneath the surface of this move than many expect.
David Montgomery wanted Houston because of DeMeco Ryans
Montgomery will play for his third different team of his career in 2026. The reliable veteran running back was shipped from the Detroit Lions to the Texans earlier this month.
Montgomery was traded, not signed as a free agent, but that doesn’t mean he’s not excited about being with the Texans. In fact, the veteran recently explained that Houston was one of his preferred destinations.
In Detroit, Montgomery paired with Jahmyr Gibbs to form one of the better running back duos in the league. However, Montgomery wants a larger role, and the Lions needed to save some cap space.
In Houston, Montgomery should have a clearer path to more carries, but that’s not the only reason he likes his landing spot. According to Texans insider Jonathan M. Alexander, Montgomery is a huge fan of head coach DeMeco Ryans.
“David Montgomery said one of the reasons Houston was one of his preferred destinations was because they were always the toughest teams he practiced and played against,” Alexander explained. “He said he always thought to himself that he would like to play for a coach like DeMeco Ryans.”
David Montgomery said one of the reasons Houston was one of his preferred destinations was because they were always the toughest teams he practiced and played against.
He said he always thought to himself that he would like to play for a coach like DeMeco Ryans.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) March 13, 2026
It makes sense that Montgomery feels that way. Ryans has earned a solid reputation as a player’s coach, and he’s turned the Texans into one of the league’s better defenses. Ryans has been the Texans’ head coach for three seasons now, and the team has made the playoffs each year.
Montgomery was sometimes overshadowed by Gibbs in Detroit, but he has been incredibly consistent in the NFL. The veteran has rushed for at least 700 yards in each of his seven NFL seasons.
In 2025, Montgomery played in all 17 games and rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns. The running back’s performance earned him a 62.2 grade from PFSN’s RB Impact metric.
In the Texans, Woody Marks ended as the team’s leading rusher in 2025. However, veteran Joe Mixon was released, and Nick Chubb is not under contract. This means Montgomery could be the lead back while being relieved by Marks. Montgomery has 79 starts under his belt, but didn’t get any in 2025.
