In a jaw-dropping twist that could redefine the Houston Texans’ future, team president Cal McNair is reportedly in talks to lure NFL legend JJ Watt back to the franchise—not as a player, but as head coach. Sources claim McNair is prepared to offer Watt an unprecedented “blank check” deal, with the singular goal of hoisting the Super Bowl trophy in 2026. If true, this move would see current head coach DeMeco Ryans ousted after just two seasons, sparking outrage, intrigue, and endless debate across the NFL. Is this a stroke of genius or a desperate gamble by a franchise chasing glory at any cost? Buckle up, Houston—this is about to get wild.

The Rumors Ignite: JJ Watt as Head Coach?

JJ Watt, the Texans’ all-time sack leader and a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has been out of the coaching conversation since retiring in 2022 after a stellar career. Inducted into the Texans’ Ring of Honor in 2023, Watt’s legacy in Houston is untouchable—101.5 sacks, countless clutch plays, and a reputation as the heart and soul of the franchise. But head coach? That’s a leap no one saw coming—until now.

Insiders allege that McNair, who became principal owner in 2024, is dead-set on making a splash. With the Texans sitting at a respectable but unspectacular 10-7 in 2023 under Ryans, followed by a 2024 season that’s yet to deliver a playoff breakthrough, McNair’s patience may be wearing thin. The rumored offer to Watt includes an open-ended salary—“whatever he wants”—and a mandate to deliver a Super Bowl in 2026. It’s a proposal that’s as audacious as it is divisive.

DeMeco Ryans: Out Before His Time?

DeMeco Ryans, hired in 2023, was hailed as the savior Houston needed. A former Texans linebacker himself, Ryans brought instant credibility, leading the team to an AFC South title and a playoff win in his rookie season. Paired with quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., both of whom swept Rookie of the Year honors, Ryans turned a laughingstock into a contender overnight. So why the sudden push to replace him?

Critics argue that Ryans hasn’t capitalized on his early success. The 2024 season, while still unfolding as of March 20, 2025, has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. Some point to defensive lapses and questionable play-calling as evidence that Ryans’ honeymoon period is over. Yet, firing a coach who’s delivered stability after years of chaos—David Culley and Lovie Smith were one-and-done—feels premature, even reckless. Is McNair really ready to ditch a proven leader for an untested icon?

JJ Watt: Legend, Yes—Coach, Maybe?

Watt’s credentials as a player are beyond reproach, but coaching is a different beast. He’s never held a clipboard on the sidelines, never called plays, never managed a roster. His post-retirement gig as a CBS analyst shows he’s got the football IQ, and his leadership on the field was legendary—teammates still rave about his intensity. In 2024, Watt even teased a potential return to the Texans as a player, telling Ryans, “Don’t call unless you absolutely need it.” Could that openness extend to coaching?

Proponents of the move argue that Watt’s larger-than-life presence could galvanize the locker room and fanbase alike. Imagine the headlines: “JJ Watt Returns to Lead Texans to Super Bowl Glory.” It’s a Hollywood script McNair might be banking on, especially with the 2026 Super Bowl looming as a make-or-break moment for a franchise that’s never reached a conference championship. But skeptics counter that charisma doesn’t equal competence. Handing Watt the keys with zero experience is a gamble that could backfire spectacularly.

The Money Factor: A Blank Check for Watt?

The rumored “whatever he wants” salary is where this story gets truly insane. NFL coaching salaries typically top out around $15-20 million annually for proven winners like Sean Payton or Andy Reid. Offering Watt an unlimited budget would shatter that ceiling, potentially making him the highest-paid coach in league history before he’s even drawn up a play. It’s a power move that screams desperation—or unshakable confidence in Watt’s star power.

McNair’s willingness to spend big isn’t new. In 2024, the Texans shelled out $167 million in guaranteed money to bolster the roster, landing stars like Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter. But throwing cash at an unproven coach? That’s next-level risk. If Watt flops, McNair could face a mutiny from fans and players who’ve bought into Ryans’ vision.

Fan and Player Backlash: A House Divided

The news has already split the Texans faithful. On X, one fan raged, “Firing Ryans for JJ Watt is insane. DeMeco turned this team around—give him time!” Another countered, “Watt’s a legend. If anyone can win us a Super Bowl, it’s him. Ryans had his shot.” The locker room could be just as fractured. Stroud, who’s thrived under Ryans, might bristle at losing his mentor. Veterans like Laremy Tunsil and Nico Collins, who’ve bought into Ryans’ system, could see this as a betrayal.

Then there’s Watt himself. Does he even want this? In 2024, he said he’d only return if the Texans “absolutely needed it”—and that was about playing, not coaching. Forcing him into a role he’s unprepared for could tarnish his legacy, turning a hero into a scapegoat.

The 2026 Super Bowl Dream: Realistic or Delusional?

McNair’s obsession with 2026 isn’t random. The Texans have the talent—Stroud, Anderson, Diggs, Hunter—to compete at the highest level. But the AFC is a gauntlet, with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow standing in the way. Ryans has proven he can win a division and a playoff game; Watt’s untested. Betting on a novice to outsmart seasoned coaches in a Super Bowl run is a long shot, even with a blank check.

Yet, there’s a flip side. Watt’s return could ignite a cultural shift, making the Texans a must-watch team and luring free agents to Houston. A motivated Watt, backed by McNair’s resources, might just pull off the impossible. It’s a high-stakes poker game, and McNair’s going all-in.

What’s Next: Chaos or Triumph?

As of March 20, 2025, these talks are still rumors—no contracts signed, no press conferences scheduled. MLB’s handling of the Astros’ 2017 scandal shows leagues don’t always punish boldness, but they do punish failure. If McNair pulls the trigger, he’ll need results fast, or the backlash will be deafening.

So, what do you think? Is JJ Watt the savior Houston needs, or is Cal McNair torching a promising future for a flashy headline? Sound off below—this story’s just getting started, and the NFL won’t know what hit it.