Leading candidate for Houston Texans coaching position has emerged, per report

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Leading candidate for Houston Texans coaching position has emerged, per report
DeMeco Ryans looks like the Texans' choice as the next head coach. Composite image by Brandon Strange.

The Houston Texans have been busy interviewing coaches over the last few weeks, and just this week, the team held second interviews with Giants OC Mike Kafka and Broncos DC Ejiro Evero. The Texans have also interviewed Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and assistant head coach Thomas Brown, Sean Payton, Lions OC Ben Johnson, Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon, and Eagles OC Shane Steichen. Johnson has taken himself out of the mix and is returning to Detroit.

But according to a new report from Ian Rapoport, the Texans may already have their minds made up about their next head coach.

Former Texans linebacker and current 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans appears to be the top candidate for the Texans, and he is reportedly interested in the position, with a second interview likely to take place next week.

Ryans has been the defensive coordinator for the 49ers over the last two seasons. San Francisco was the best defense in the league in 2022.

Ryans is a popular pick for the position in Houston, and fans will be super excited if he eventually gets the job. Let's hope Rapoport's sources are correct, and the Texans have their new head coach lined up.

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Should the Astros sign Blake Snell? Composite Getty Image.

Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy made a lot of fans nervous on Friday when he exited his spring training start after just 43 pitches. Elbow pain reportedly was what cut his start short. Urquidy was then sent back to Houston for further evaluation.

Astros manager Joe Espada gave an injury update on Monday. According to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, Urquidy is dealing with a forearm muscle strain and will likely begin the season on IL.

Houston had already been reported to have interest in signing free agent pitcher Blake Snell in recent days, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

But USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend the Astros now appear to be a “long-shot” to sign him. He's looking for a 2-year, $66 million deal and with a player option for year two.

A contract like this would put the Astros over the second tax-threshold. Not to mention he turned down the Padres qualifying offer as did closer Josh Hader. Which means the Astros would have to send two draft picks to San Diego if they sign Snell.

But if owner Jim Crane decides to pass on Snell, we're looking at a starting rotation of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, JP France, Ronel Blanco, and possibly Brandon Bielak if they opt for a 6-man rotation.

So what should the Astros do? Throw caution to the wind and sign Snell, or hope they get their guys back healthy sooner rather than later?

It's important to keep in perspective that the Yankees have several injuries to their rotation as well. Opening Day will be a matchup between Nestor Cortes and Framber Valdez. Not Gerrit Cole vs.Justin Verlander, like we once expected.

Be sure to watch the video above as we break down the rotation, all the Astros other options, and much more!

Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) every Monday on YouTube.

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