Ryans' coaching ability is one part of the equation surrounding the excitement of his hiring by the Texans. He was a highly regarded candidate who was interviewed by multiple NFL teams this offseason—including the Denver Broncos, who according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, "spent [Tuesday] trying to hire DeMeco Ryans" before eventually settling on former Super Bowl winner Sean Payton. But perhaps equally valuable, Ryans' return to Houston seems to have invigorated a fan base that's been desperate for a reason to feel a connection to the Texans.
News | Yes, Texans actually pay more in taxes than Californians do Ryans was one of the first star players and team leaders in franchise history, winning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2006 and finishing his Texans career as a two-time Pro Bowler.
History | How Houston's iconic landmarks have evolved since the '90s
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