Feb. 19, 2026, 3:33 p.m. CT
DeMeco Ryans is receiving a promotion.
Not from the Houston Texans, but rather the league office.
The third-year Texans coach, along with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, was named to the NFL’s Competition Committee for the 2026 season. The duo joins Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, New York Giants owner John Mara and San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, among others.
According to the NFL operations website, the committee reviews all competitive aspects of the game, including playing rules, rosters, technology, game-day operations and player safety. Formed by former commissioner Pete Rozelle in 1968, the competition committee essentially serves as a replacement for the rules committee that started in 1932.
How does this change Ryans’ role with the organization? Honestly, not by much. The fourth-year coach will head up to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis to meet with coaches, general managers, players and NCAA representatives to gather their input about potential changes to the rules.
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The committee will also review the data on injuries, instant replay and technology, plus how it can improve the game in 2026 and beyond.
The Texans hit the road for the NFL combine next week at Lucas Oil Stadium.