DeMeco Ryans takes over Texans defensive play-calling after 0-4 start

DeMeco Ryans annouced today that he is taking over the Houston Texans' defensive play-calling. The move strips play-calling duty from defensive coordinator Matt Burke as Houston searches for an answer to its 0-4 start. Ryans said he is looking to provide a spark, and taking the headset himself is the most direct signal yet that the coaching staff views the defense as the place to force a turnaround.

Ryans built his reputation as a defensive play-caller long before Houston — he ran the San Francisco 49ers' defense with the same aggressive, pressure-heavy approach as their defensive coordinator. Stepping back behind the calls gives an already-experienced voice more hands-on control over a unit that has yet to click.

The Texans, who open the season winless heading into Week 5, have struggled to stay in games after a promising build-up. The change is the first structural adjustment of the year, and it puts the coach's own accountability directly on the defensive results going forward.