After becoming the first rookie head coach in NFL history to lead his team to a division title with a rookie quarterback, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was named the PFWA’s Coach of the Year.
Under Ryans, the Texans boasted top-10 rankings in turnover margin and rushing defense, and he spearheaded one of the most impressive franchise turnarounds in recent memory.
Ryans is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best up-and-coming coaches, but is he paid like a top head coach? Let’s examine Ryans’ salary, career earnings, and net worth, plus how they stack up against other NFL head coaches.
DeMeco Ryans’ 2024 NFL Salary
Prior to coaching, Ryans was a standout NFL linebacker who was drafted by the Texans in the second round (No. 33 overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He made his presence felt immediately, starting 16 games and winning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Over the course of his career, he totaled 971 tackles, 13.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions. He was a first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in tackles in 2006.
In 2017, he made the transition to coaching, joining the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach and later working his way up to inside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. Ryans thrived as a coach, earning the AP Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2022 as the 49ers’ DC.
On Jan. 31, 2023, Ryans signed a six-year contract with the Texans — a full circle moment since he took over the team that drafted him.
Ryans will reportedly make $28 million over the length of the deal, meaning he is earning $4.6 million annually.
For comparison, the highest-paid head coaches in the NFL are Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid ($18 million), Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh ($16 million), Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay ($14 million), and Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin ($12.5 million).
Like all head coaching contracts, Ryans’ deal with the Texans is fully guaranteed. If the team fired him before the contract expired, he would still receive the full payout.
Demeco Ryans literally gave Christian Harris the script!
Insane! pic.twitter.com/7l5hFsTzeI
— Patrick Storm (@PatrickStormHTX) January 17, 2024
That scenario seems unlikely anytime soon, as Ryans has made a big splash in the NFL.
In his first season, he led Houston to a 10-7 record, clinching the AFC South title and hosting a playoff game in 2023 (which the Texans won, 45-14, over the Cleveland Browns).
Ryans’ Net Worth
Ryans’ net worth is estimated at $33 million. For comparison, Bill Belichick ($70 million) and Reid ($50 million) are the wealthiest NFL head coaches.
Still, Ryans has a higher net worth than most up-and-coming head coaches since he also did quite well for himself throughout his lengthy NFL career.
Throughout his playing days, Ryans’ career earnings were $48.9 million across his 10 NFL seasons.
Also, Ryans had a number of endorsement deals with companies like Nike, BodyArmor, and 13th Hour Sport. However, those aren’t factored into his career earnings.
Given Ryans’ early success as a head coach, he seems likely to have a lengthy coaching career ahead of him that will allow him to sign plenty more lucrative contracts.