The Houston Texans are making a major change on defense as they try to avoid falling to 0-5 in the NFL. Head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Wednesday that he will take over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke, putting himself back in charge of the unit heading into Week 5.

Ryans takes back defensive play-calling duties

Sep 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Ryans previously handled defensive play-calling during the first two-plus years of his tenure before handing those responsibilities to Burke during the 2025 season. Now, with the Texans sitting at 0-4, he believes another change is necessary to help fix the team’s communication issues.

“If there’s a lack in communication, I look at myself first,” Ryans said Wednesday. He added that taking over the play-calling will allow him to streamline communication and make sure the defense is operating the way it should.

The decision comes after Houston’s defense struggled badly in the second half of Sunday’s 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas finished with 399 total yards, while Dak Prescott threw for 335 yards and CeeDee Lamb exploded for 17 catches, 189 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys also scored touchdowns on four of their five second-half drives.

Texans defense has taken a major step back

Sep 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The change is especially notable because Houston’s defense was one of the best units in the NFL last season. The Texans led the league in yards allowed at 277.2 per game and ranked second in scoring defense at 17.3 points allowed per game.

Through four games this season, however, Houston is allowing 343.75 yards and 27.25 points per game. The Texans rank 20th in total defense and 26th in scoring defense, while their 260 passing yards allowed per game rank 28th in the NFL.

Communication has become one of the biggest concerns. Houston has allowed 17 completions of at least 20 yards, and several major breakdowns have come late in games. The Texans have now lost two consecutive games after allowing opponents to score the go-ahead points with less than a minute remaining.

Ryans is hoping taking back the defensive play-calling can provide the spark Houston desperately needs. The Texans travel to face the winless Tennessee Titans in Week 5, giving them an immediate opportunity to prevent an 0-5 start.

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