HOUSTON – Hall of Fame finalist wide receiver Andre Johnson saw firsthand how DeMeco Ryans’ arrival in Houston galvanized the Texans’ defense with his infectious, high-energy personality and hard-hitting style
Now that the former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year selection and two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker is the Texans’ new head coach after signing a six-year contract, Johnson envisions a new day in Houston and a breath of fresh air with Ryans’ return to town.
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#Texans Hall of Fame finalist Andre Johnson on new coach DeMeco Ryans @DRyans59 @johnson80 @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/nfgcjeLl9T
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 8, 2023
The Texans have endured three consecutive losing seasons, going a combined 11-38-1 under the following head coaches: Lovie Smith (3-13-1), David Culley (4-13), interim coach Romeo Crennel (4-8) and Bill O’Brien (0-4). Empty seats, apathy and plenty of struggles on the field have defined the AFC South franchise in recent years.
Johnson spoke with strong conviction about his belief that Ryans is the man to be an agent of change and engineer a turnaround.
“There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll turn it around,” Johnson told KPRC 2. “It’s not going to happen overnight, but, like I said, I have no doubt he’ll turn it around and get it headed in the right direction. People will be proud to say that they’re a Houston Texans fan.”
Ryans’ familiarity and roots within the community, coaching acumen as the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year and architect of the San Francisco 49ers’ top-ranked defense were all cited by Johnson as reasons for confidence in his former teammate.
“I have no doubt that he’s the right guy for the job,” Johnson said. “I’m just excited for him. It always helps with having someone you know, but there are a lot of great coaches throughout the NFL. DeMeco was available and there was no doubt in my mind , if there’s a guy we need it’s him.”
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to KPRC 2 and click2houston.com