The Houston Texans turned things completely around immediately in 2023 after drafting C.J. Stroud. But Stroud wasn't the only newcomer that season that played a massive part in Houston's success. Head coach DeMeco Ryans led the team to an AFC South title and wild card win in his first season as head coach, immediately solidifying himself as one of the game's best coaches.
However, despite winning another division title and another playoff game, Ryans ranked just 15th on CBS Sports' head coach rankings.
"For a widely respected longtime NFL captain, Ryans' units have been notoriously chippy, if not blatantly reckless," Benjamin writes. "Still, his defense registers as one of the stingiest in the game. And if C.J. Stroud rebounds under center, a third straight playoff bid should be on tap."
Considering what the Texans were immediately before and immediately after Ryans, he deserves a spot in the top 10.
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