The NFL’s coaching carousel just got a whole lot more interesting, and Kyle Shanahan is spilling all the tea about his protégé, DeMeco Ryans.

In the high-stakes world of professional football, spotting raw talent is an art form, and Shanahan seems to have mastered it. Long before Ryans became the head coach of the Houston Texans, Shanahan saw something special brewing.

The Making of a Coach

Ryans wasn’t just another rookie linebacker when he entered the league. Nicknamed “Mufasa” for his wisdom beyond his years, he quickly became a team captain and Rookie of the Year. Talk about making an entrance.

A Mentor’s Insight

Shanahan recalls watching Ryans during their shared years in San Francisco, noting his incredible work ethic and humility. “He never coasted on his player reputation,” Shanahan explained. Instead, Ryans approached coaching like he did playing: with intense dedication and a hunger to learn.

From Player to Leader

What sets Ryans apart isn’t just his football IQ, but his entire approach to leadership. Shanahan remembers telling Ryans he had head coaching potential years before it became a reality - a moment that apparently meant the world to the young coach.

Now, as Ryans leads the Texans and Shanahan continues to guide the 49ers, their paths will cross once again - this time as opposing coaches, but always with mutual respect.

The NFL’s future is looking bright, and it’s coaches like Ryans who are lighting the way.