Ryans: Struggling Texans Not Making OC Move
Despite a noticeable dip in offensive performance, the Houston Texans are standing firm with their current coaching staff. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans has publicly stated that there are no plans to replace Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley, emphasizing a collective approach to improving the team’s output. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the Texans’ inability to consistently score points and move the ball effectively.
"We’re pressing forward with everybody that we have," Ryans said, expressing confidence in the existing personnel. "We’re collectively all in this together."
The Texans’ offensive struggles are undeniable. After firing Bobby Slowik in January due to lackluster results in 2024, where the team averaged 21.9 points and 320 yards per game, hopes were high for a turnaround under Caley. However, the numbers have actually declined. In 2025, the Texans are averaging 21.2 points and 304 yards per game, a marginal decrease that still falls short of expectations.
A deeper dive into the statistics paints an even grimmer picture. Excluding the Texans’ dominant 44-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, a game in which the Ravens were missing key defensive starters such as Roquan Smith, Nnamdi Madubuike, Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton, the Texans’ offense has averaged a mere 16 points per game. This stark contrast highlights the team’s inconsistency and raises questions about their ability to perform against formidable opponents.
One of the primary issues plaguing the Texans’ offense is pass protection. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who enjoyed a stellar rookie season in 2023, has faced increased pressure this year. In his rookie year, Stroud was sacked 52 times, the second-most in the league. While the number of sacks has decreased to 15 through seven weeks, he is still being pressured frequently (74 times), hindering his ability to make plays downfield.
Stroud’s individual statistics have also taken a hit. In 2023, he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, earning a passer rating of 100 and leading the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio. This season, his numbers have regressed, with nine touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 91. The decline in production can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the aforementioned pass protection issues, changes in the offensive scheme, and the absence of key players.
The Texans’ rushing attack has also experienced a downturn. After averaging 117 rushing yards per game last season (13th in the league), they are now averaging 106 yards per game. The absence of Joe Mixon due to an ankle injury has undoubtedly impacted the running game, but the overall decline suggests deeper issues with the offensive line and play-calling.
The decision to stick with Caley despite the offensive struggles is a calculated risk by Ryans. It signals a belief in the long-term vision for the team and a commitment to developing the coaching staff. However, it also puts Ryans under increased pressure to find solutions and turn the offense around quickly.
The Texans face a daunting challenge in their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers, who boast one of the league’s top defenses, allowing just 19.7 points per game (seventh in the NFL). The potential absence of star receiver Nico Collins, who is in concussion protocol after a head injury against the Seahawks, further complicates matters.
Despite the adversity, Ryans remains optimistic and accepts responsibility for the team’s struggles. "It all starts with me," Ryans said. "So, you guys want to point the finger at somebody, put it on me. That’s my job, and ultimately, it’s my job to get it fixed. So that’s how it’ll be, but we’re rolling on what we have, and we got to just all do better. Got to coach you better. We got to play better. We got to execute better on game day. And look, as bad as it seems, I tell the guys at the end of the day, we’re still one possession from getting that game."
Ryans’ unwavering support for his coaching staff and his willingness to take the blame demonstrate strong leadership. However, the pressure is on to deliver results. The Texans’ offensive struggles cannot continue indefinitely, and Ryans and Caley must find a way to unlock the team’s potential and turn the season around. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the decision to stand pat with the current coaching staff was the right one.
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