As the Houston Texans prepare for their Wild Card showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear his respect for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin runs deep, shaped by years of admiration and personal interaction.

Ryans praised Tomlin as one of the NFL’s enduring standards, pointing to his consistency, leadership, and ability to keep Pittsburgh competitive year after year.

To him, Tomlin’s longevity with one franchise speaks volumes about his understanding of how to build, lead, and win.

The Texans coach also highlighted the personal side of their relationship.

Ryans noted that he and Tomlin stay connected through league meetings, describing Tomlin as a constant source of positivity and encouragement throughout Ryans’ coaching journey.

All respect aside, Ryans knows sentiment will fade once Monday night arrives.

With playoff stakes at their highest, Ryans expects a bruising battle, especially against a Pittsburgh defense known for setting the tone with its relentless pass rush.