DeMeco Ryans: Houston Texans have reached agreement with 49ers defensive coordinator for a head coaching job, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter

Houston, Texas (KTRK) – Texas agreed to terms to hire San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as their new coach on Tuesday, making them the first team in NFL history to hire three black coaches in a row.

The Texans and Ryans have agreed to a six-year contract, sources tell ESPN, becoming the franchise’s sixth full-time head coach.

Ryan’s recruiting ends three weeks of searching for a coach since the Texans fired Lovie Smith on Jan. 8. Former Texas quarterback Ryans will be Houston’s fourth head coach in four years after firing Smith and David Cooley after one. season.

The former NFL linebacker reportedly gave an interview to the Texans on Jan. 20, with a follow-up announcement speaking Tuesday. He has also been linked to coaching job postings in Denver and Indianapolis.

Ryans has become a hot commodity in the coaching market after leading the Niners to a first-ranked defense in the league.

The Texans had eyes on two Philadelphia Eagles coordinators: offensive play caller Shane Steichen and defensive play caller Jonathan Gannon, who Schefter reports has strong support within the Texans’ organization.

Ryan became the third head coach to be hired in as many seasons, replacing the previous head coach Loffy Smith. Ryans inherits a pair of first-round picks, including the No. 2 overall pick, during the April NFL Draft.

History of Ryans in Texas

A star at Alabama, the 38-year-old Ryans was drafted by the Texans 33rd overall in 2006, the same year Houston selected defensive end Mario Williams with the first overall pick.

Ryans overtook Williams to become the team’s unlikely star in his rookie year, earning an All-Pro selection and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

He went on to play six seasons in Houston and later made two Pro Bowl selections and also helped future superstar JJ Watt adjust to the professional game after he was drafted in 2011.

Ryans concluded his 10-season NFL career by spending his final four seasons in Philadelphia.

Despite only playing one season together, Watt made sure to get his former team’s attention on hiring the Ryans by posting a picture of the two during their only year together.

ESPN contributed to this report.

SEE ALSO: Texas coaching search hits snags after firing coach twice in a row after one season each