Convenience Big Store: DeMeco Ryans to Alabama? No. He has his dream job in Houston.

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In a 24-hour span, two great football coaches, the most accomplished who have ever done it, stepped down.

Good friends Nick Saban, who won seven national championships, six at Alabama, and Bill Belichick, who went to nine Super Bowls and won six with the New England Patriots, walked away from the places where they became legendary head coaches.

As soon as the Saban news became official and as rumors swirled about Belichick's potential departure, two important Houston Texans found their names trending because of ties to the Patriots and Crimson Tide.

General manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans.

One could happen. One absolutely won't.

Jerome Solomon explains why Houston is the dream job for Ryans. With Caserio and Patriots, you never can tell.

But let's not forget about the Texans and their playoff game with the Browns on Saturday.

If you've watched any Texans game this season, you may have seen C.J. Stroud's unique pregame routine of basketballs, golf clubs and more. Matt Young explains the methods behind the madness.

When Houston and Cleveland played on Dec. 24, Joe Flacco was able to pass at will. Why that might not be the case this time around.

The Astros had a busy day on Thursday as they reached deals with six of their arbitration-eligible players, including Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez. Mauricio Dubón couldn't reach an agreement and is headed to arbitration.

The Rockets, who are 0-2 to start their road trip, will face the Pistons on Friday. Detroit has won only three times this season.

And in college football, Quinn Ewers is coming back for his junior season at Texas. At TSU, the coaching search continues as Andre Johnson takes his name out of the running.

Stat of the day: 296. Wins for Bill Belichick in 24 seasons with Patriots. He also won six Super Bowls.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

As coaching legends Nick Saban and Bill Belichick move on, it's only natural to speculate on DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio going back to their roots.

Photo by: Houston Chronicle/Brett Coomer; Getty Images

DeMeco Ryans to Alabama? No, he has dream job in Houston

As legends Nick Saban and Bill Belichick move on, it's only natural to speculate on DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio going back to their roots.

Pregame routine: It may look odd when Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is warming up on the sidelines with a basketball, but the reasoning makes a lot of sense.
Return man: After missing the last two games with an ankle injury, Jonathan Greenard, the team's leader in sacks, returns to practice
Second(ary) chance: Yes, Houston's secondary had a nightmarish day against Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper. But the reasons, including injured personnel, are fixable.
Transformers: DeMeco Ryans and Kevin Stefanski, frontrunners for the league's coach of the year award, have transformed their respective teams.
Hot corner: Derek Stingley Jr. has been sensational since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 2, compiling 30 total tackles, a tackle for loss, five interceptions and 13 passes defensed over the last nine games.
Joe knows playoffs: Joe Flacco, who knows a thing or two about playoff success, has been stellar in five games going into the postseason
Texans' tide: Texans players Will Anderson Jr., Christian Harris, Henry To'oTo'o, Kareem Jackson and John Metchie III played for Nick Saban at Alabama and are shocked by his retirement.

Astros / MLB

Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker and pitcher Framber Valdez. Photo credit: Karen Warren

Photo by: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

Astros avoid arbitration with Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez

Mauricio Dubón was the lone Astro who didn't reach a deal and will go to arbitration

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) tags up with his brother Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) in the first half of game action at the Toyota Center on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in Houston.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Rockets at Pistons: Five things to watch in rematch

Friday's game against the last-place Pistons is the first of a back-to-back for the Rockets.

College Football

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns looks to pass during the first quarter against the Washington Huskies during the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Photo by: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will return for junior season

Texas' first season in the SEC will include continuity at quarterback after Quinn Ewers announced Thursday that he'll return for his junior year.

TSU search: TSU was close to hiring Alcorn State's Fred McNair but didn't approve the deal and now former Texans star Andre Johnson is out as candidate