DeMeco Ryans is taking over Houston’s defensive play-calling from coordinator Matt Burke after the Texans lost their first four games. The head coach announced the decision on Wednesday, October 7, before this weekend’s trip to face the Tennessee Titans.
Ryans tied the change to communication problems on defense. He said the responsibility for getting those problems fixed rests with him, and that making the calls himself should simplify how instructions reach his players.
Why Ryans is making the change
The Texans entered the week ranked 26th in scoring defense, allowing about 27 points per game. Ryans praised Burke’s work while explaining the switch and said it was not intended as a criticism of his coordinator.
“It’s on me to get it fixed,” Ryans said after practice.
A reversal of last season’s handoff
Ryans had handed the calls to Burke after the first three games of last season. Jonathan M. Alexander reported that the two coaches already build the defensive game plan together, with Ryans able to intervene in Burke’s calls.
Will Anderson Jr. expressed confidence in both coaches and emphasized that the players still have to execute their assignments. Ryans did not disclose additional changes ahead of the Tennessee game.
The first test of the new arrangement comes Sunday in Nashville, where Houston will try to turn its coaching adjustment into its first victory of the season.
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