Colts Turn to Former All-Pro Great As Interim Head Coach
The Indianapolis Colts have parted ways with head coach Frank Reich after yet another disappointing outing, this time against the New England Patriots. It didn’t take long for the team to announce their interim head coach, and the choice may surprise you.
We have parted ways with head coach Frank Reich. pic.twitter.com/Fam6rNYfKM — Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 7, 2022
The Colts Had High Expectations
Indianapolis entered this season as a trendy pick to win the AFC South and potentially make a run at the Super Bowl. However, halfway into the season, this team looks nothing like what was expected. The NFL’s highest-paid offensive line cannot protect the quarterback, regardless of who is under center. Many thought that the benching of Matt Ryan was an act of ‘waiving the white flag,’ but it is clear after two weeks of the Sam Ehlinger era that this team’s problems are much bigger than one player.
Reich won 40 of the 74 games he coached for Indianapolis and took the team to the playoffs twice. However, considering the talent on this roster, that 54% winning percentage is a massive underachievement. Despite past trends of Reich-led teams turning it around in the second half, Colts owner Jim Irsay decided that a change was needed immediately.
The Colts New Sheriff In Town
Rumors swirled this morning around the open position in Indy. Would the Colts upgrade former head coach and current defensive coordinator Gus Bradley? Perhaps another coaching staff member would take over in Reich’s stead.
Breaking: Colts are naming their former six-time Pro-Bowl C and ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday as their interim head coach. Saturday has been a consultant for the team, is in its Ring Of Honor, and also was head coach for the Hebron Christian Academy football team in Dacula, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/VEmHOeSrFR — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 7, 2022
The Colts shocked the NFL when they announced that six-time pro bowler and two-time all-pro Jeff Saturday would take over as interim head coach. Saturday is a fan favorite due to his incredible play and championship success with the team and his friendship with Peyton Manning. Saturday is a member of the team’s Ring of Honor and has previously consulted the Colts. Those worried that this is a PR hire can take some solace; Saturday has previous head coaching experience. The former center coached the Hebron Christian Academy in Georgia previously.
What Does This Mean For The Colts?
One thing is sure: this team’s offensive line play will be better. Saturday is one of the best centers of all time, and if anyone can help turn this hapless group around, then it is him. Additionally, being a former lineman could help with this team’s tenacity. The Colts seem to lack fire at times, and a coach like Saturday should, at the very least, be able to have his team ready to run through a wall every Sunday.
The Irsay/Ballard/Saturday presser has been pushed back from 6 p.m. to 7:30 to now 8. — Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 7, 2022
Generally, we see teams improve when a coach has been replaced. The new life and energy from a former player and Colts legend should add more fuel to that fire. Expect to see a much different Colts team next Sunday.