Texans fans once dreamed of third year magic now they are left hoping Ryans can simply steady the ship.
DeMeco Ryans faces harsh reality in his third year with the Texans originally appeared on The Sporting News
Some of the most iconic coaches in NFL history needed three seasons before their legacies began to crystallize. Chuck Noll didn’t raise the first of his four Super Bowl trophies until year three in Pittsburgh, a moment that slammed the door on Miami’s hopes of owning the decade. Ironically, it was Don Shula in his own third season who delivered perfection in 1972, guiding the Dolphins to the NFL’s only undefeated campaign. Even Vince Lombardi required patience as Green Bay’s climb to “Titletown” glory began in year three, punctuated by the very first Super Bowl victory.
The Houston Texans have never walked such a gilded path. For DeMeco Ryans, the third season feels less like a launching point and more like a fight to stay afloat. A dispiriting 0–3 start has extended the team’s slide since last October’s trip to Lambeau Field. In the 16 games since that loss, Ryans has managed just six wins against ten defeats. What was once optimism for a quick turnaround has hardened into frustration.
Nico with the tuddy!
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 21, 2025
📺: @NFLoncbs / @paramountpluspic.twitter.com/q251IaIVLS
History doesn’t offer him much comfort. Neither Dom Capers nor Gary Kubiak delivered a playoff berth in year three. Kubiak in fact opened 2008 with four straight losses before clawing back with a late-season surge that ultimately saved his job. The lone exception was Bill O’Brien who guided Houston not only into the postseason during his third year but also to a Wild Card win over the Raiders. That for Texans fans right now would feel like salvation.
The lesson from Noll, Shula and Lombardi is not just that greatness can take time but that year three often reveals whether a coach’s blueprint can truly endure. For Ryans the clock is already ticking loudly.
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