Houston Texans CEO Cal McNair and head coach DeMeco Ryans joke with quarterback C.J. Stroud and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. at an introductory press conference on Friday, April 28, 2023, in Houston. The Texans chose Stroud and Anderson Jr. in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday. (Photo by Kevin M. Cox, AP)
There weren’t many people who believed in the Houston Texans, who had recently gone 3-13-1 and utterly decimated their football squad and coaching staff. Enter coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud. A year after seeming to be one of the weakest teams in the NFL, the Texans finished 10-7 and won a playoff game 45-14.
The speedy turnaround drew attention and recognition. The NFL AP Awards finalists were announced Thursday, and four Houston players and coaches made the final five in their respective categories.
Ryans is a contender for Coach of the Year in his first year as head coach. The former Texans linebacker spent the previous two seasons as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator before assuming the Houston position this season. He has consistently garnered acclaim from his players, notably Will Anderson Jr., who chose him over his old Alabama coach, Nick Saban, at the end of the season. In addition, the Pro Football Writers of America honored him Coach of the Year.
His offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik, joined Ryans from the 49ers and has been nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year. Slowik was the offensive passing game coordinator for Kyle Shanahan last season. He called plays for the Texas offense.
None other than Tom Brady and Joe Montana. Stroud also won the PFWA Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards.
Houston selected Stroud with the second overall pick, then traded two first-round picks and three additional picks to move up and select Anderson Jr. third overall. Early results were promising, with seven sacks, ten tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits in 15 games this season. He was a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned the PFWA award.
Nobody from the Texans has ever won the Associated Press COY, ACOY, or OROY awards. Ryans earned ACOY last season and now joins Brian Cushing as the only two players in team history to win DROY.
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