Taking on one of the toughest jobs, Tomlin made history by leading the Steelers to 19 consecutive undefeated seasons in his career. That’s the record for the start of a head coach’s career.
Ryans, 41, has a long way to go to match Tomlin’s success, but he’s off to a great start, similar to Tomlin’s early years in Pittsburgh.
Tomlin took over for Hall of Famer Bill Cowher for the 2007 season and coached the Steelers to a division title and a playoff berth. A year later another division crown followed before a Super Bowl victory.
Despite still chasing the Super Bowl, Ryans coached Houston to back-to-back AFC South titles in his first two years and now a third straight playoff berth.
Like Tomlin, Ryan’s success has been built on great defense.
“Everyone has all the answers, but no one really knows all the work, all the sacrifices that go in, all the sleepless nights, all the long hours you put in, all the time away from your family. There’s a lot that goes into this and everyone just jumps on, ‘This guy should be fired.’ He should be fired. Get him out,” Ryan said. “I think the Steelers have benefited from having a great coach for 19 years and you see that continued success when you’re able to keep a guy, you really believe in a guy who’s a great leader of an organization.
“He’s done it at a high level, won the Super Bowl, done it with the utmost class and respect. There’s no other coach I respect more than Mike Tomlin. He’s always done it the right way. I’m thankful he was able to step down on his terms.”
So far, Ryans has led the Texans on his terms.
After Monday’s win, the Ryans and Houston are headed to Foxborough to face the host New England Patriots for the third straight game.
If the Texans win on Sunday, they will book the club’s first trip to the AFC Championship Game. Like Tomlin was, Ryans could provide further evidence that he is, in fact, “a great leader of an organization.”