The Houston Texans roster is 69 players — and that is before the 2023 NFL draft.
New coach DeMeco Ryans is all about taking a personalized approach to each player, but getting to know an entire 90-man roster may be a little ambitious.
However, another element of Ryans’ coaching philosophy is to allow his assistants the latitude to carry out functions in their own manner.
“It’s a lot of delegation,” Ryans said. “It starts with our coordinators, with me communicating with our coordinators and the coordinators to the position coaches of setting individualized time for each player. First and foremost, get to know each coach and connect with them on a personal level, and then I will as well try to get a few meetings with some players for myself just to make sure I have that connection with the guys.”
The Texans are in Phase 1 of their offseason program, which will include meetings for the first two weeks. Houston is precluded from doing any type of on-field work with the players until Phase 2.
The first phase of the offseason program allows for Ryans to get to know his players in a classroom setting.
“I think that the connection is very important from a coaching staff and player, just understanding that we’re all on the same page and we’re all striving for the same goal,” said Ryans. “We’re all here to make the Houston Texans organization as a winner, and we only do that if we’re connected and we’re together. It’s a very important part of the process for me to make sure that the players understand that I’m genuinely here and I have their best interest at heart.”
Ryans typifies the term “players coach” as he once played linebacker for the Texans from 2006-11, earning two Pro Bowl selections during his tenure.
