One of the biggest stars in Alabama football folklore is now a coach.
Ex-Crimson Tide linebacker and 10-year NFL veteran DeMeco Ryans was hired at defensive quality control coach for the San Francisco 49ers, per a report via NFL.com. Ryans, a native of Bessemer, Ala., was taken in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. In six seasons (2006-11), he was the AFC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 2009) and first team All-Pro in 2007.
Following being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, Ryans anchored a defense that led the team to a postseason berth and an NFC East Division title. He finished the regular season with a team-high 127 tackles, while adding four sacks, five tackles for loss, seven passes defended and two interceptions to his credit.
Prior to the National Football League, Ryans was a dominant linebacker at the University of Alabama from 2002-05. In 2005, he captained a defense under Mike Shula that guided the team to a 10-2 record (before sanctions). Ryans would earn honors as a unanimous All-American, first team All-SEC and SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. The 32-year-old now turns his attention to a defense that needs retooling.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
