Texans are switching things up on the defensive end. 

After a shocking 0-4 start, head coach DeMeco Ryans is taking over defensive play-calling duties from coordinator Matt Burke.

“If there’s a lack in communication, I look at myself first. It starts with me, and making sure I’m a better communicator,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday. “To help spark things more, I’m going to take over the play calling for the defense and I’m going to make sure that communication is right.

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans speaks after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

“… No shade against coach Burke — he’s done an outstanding job. I just want to make sure I can streamline communication in the best way possible.”

Houston’s defense has limped out the gate through four weeks after being perhaps the best in football last season. 

Heading into Week 5, the Texans have allowed 27.3 points and 343.8 yards per game. 

A year ago, they gave up just 17.3 points and 271.9 yards per game, ranking No. 2 and No. 1 in football, respectively. 

Houston Texans assistant coach Matt Burke watches action during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Houston returned 10 of its 11 primary defensive starters from last year and came into the season as one of the favorites to win the AFC. 

Burke joined Ryans’ original Texans staff as defensive coordinator in 2023 after Ryans was hired as head coach.

While Ryans called defensive plays through his first two seasons at the helm, Burke took over the play-calling job during Week 4 last season amid another slow start for the Texans. 

Houston will head to Tennessee to take on the winless Titans on Sunday as they look for their first victory of the season.