This is a return to an old setup. Ryans called the defense in his first two seasons as Houston's head coach, then handed the job to Burke last year. The Texans finished 2025 first in yards allowed and second in points allowed.
This season has gone the other way. Houston is 0-4 and has given up 109 points, or about 27.3 per game, which ranks 27th in the league. The defense is 20th in yards allowed.
Burke said he was "a little disappointed" but framed it as frustration with the team's start. He said Ryans told him "I think we need to spark a change," and that he will keep game planning with Ryans through the week as before. Asked whether the scheme will look different, Burke said "we'll see."
What is confirmed
Ryans is the defensive play-caller for Week 5 at Tennessee, and Burke stays on staff as coordinator. Neither coach has described specific scheme changes, so any shift in pressure rates or coverage looks is a guess until Sunday.
Why it matters for RSO owners
Houston's defense was a unit fantasy managers avoided starting against last year. Through four weeks it has been a matchup to target, with Buffalo, Dallas and Cincinnati all moving the ball well. Ryans' track record as a play-caller suggests he can tighten that up, but one week of practice is a short runway.
