From the HERE City National Desk
Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday he will take over defensive play-calling from coordinator Matt Burke as his team tries to recover from an 0-4 start.
Ryans framed the move as a way to fix communication problems on defense, saying responsibility starts with him and that the change is no slight against Burke, who he said has done an outstanding job. He acknowledged the decision would not be popular with everyone but said he has to do what is best for the team.
The change follows a 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in which Dallas gained 399 yards and Dak Prescott led a late game-winning touchdown drive capped by a 12-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb. Houston has repeatedly given up late leads, including a 36-31 loss to Buffalo in Week 1 and a loss to Indianapolis on a late field goal in Week 3.
Houston finished as the No. 1 defense in 2025 and No. 6 in 2024 under Ryans and Burke, who has been the Texans’ coordinator since 2023. Ryans handed play-calling to Burke in Week 4 last season, when Houston started 1-3 and went on to make the playoffs.
Only one team, the 1992 Chargers, has started a season 0-4 and reached the postseason. The Texans play at the Titans in Week 5.
