The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans both reportedly hired new head football coaches on Tuesday after experiencing losing seasons.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Texans hired former San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans on a six-year deal. The Texans went 3-13-1 during this season.
“For so many reasons, DeMeco is everything we are looking for in a leader and coach for our organization,” Houston Texans owner Cal McNair said in a statement. “He has a proven track record for developing high-quality players and constantly innovated his defensive scheme over the last six seasons in San Francisco.”
“We started this process with the goal of finding someone our fans and city can be proud of and we’ve done just that,” the statement continued. “While we received a lot of incredible feedback and support for DeMeco from different people, it was our discussions with him and his vision for our football team that made him the right coach to lead us as we continue to evolve as an organization.”
Former 49ers’ defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans reached agreement today on a six-year deal, per sources. Texans have their new head coach. pic.twitter.com/1CvFSLvZY5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2023
Schefter also reported that the Broncos agreed to a deal to sign Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints. The NFL confirmed Schefter’s report.
Saints receive a 2023 first-round pick and 2024 second-round pick.
Broncos receive Sean Payton and a future third-round pick.
— NFL (@NFL) January 31, 2023
Even though Payton did not coach this year, Denver had to negotiate with New Orleans to sign him because Payton signed an extension with New Orleans in 2019 to remain with the team through the 2024 season, the report said. The Broncos finished the season 5-12.
New Orleans will get Denver’s first-round draft pick this year and the team’s second-round pick next year in exchange for Payton and New Orlean’s third-round pick next year.
“Timing of today’s two hires was completely coincidental,” Schefter said. “Broncos were zeroed in on Sean Payton, and didn’t make any contact this week with DeMeco Ryans or his agent. Denver was focused on Payton, and Houston on Ryans.”
Timing of today’s two hires was completely coincidental. Broncos were zeroed in on Sean Payton, and didn’t make any contact this week with DeMeco Ryans or his agent. Denver was focused on Payton, and Houston on Ryans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2023