Getty Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
The search for a new head coach is underway for the Indianapolis Colts, and on January 9, the team requested to interview four coordinators to occupy the vacant position.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that the Colts submitted requests to the Detroit Lions to speak to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Lions came up just short of making the NFL playoffs with a 9-8 record — Detroit’s best record since 2017.
Just minutes later, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweeted that Indianapolis also requested to interview Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Earlier in the day, the Denver Broncos requested to interview Morris, who just wrapped up his second season with the Rams.
A fourth interview request was reported later in the hour by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport — this time with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. Steichen was also requested by the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers for an interview.
Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday, who led the team to a disappointing 1-7 record to end the season after Frank Reich was fired on November 7, still remains a “serious candidate” to earn the full-time job, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Without having any previous professional coaching experience, Saturday endured a rough stretch during his interim tenure. Still, he said he was committed and wanted to lead the Colts for the foreseeable future.
“I have a very clear vision of how I can turn this football team around,” Saturday told ESPN writer Stephen Holder. “I’m not one that wavers. I’m pretty steadfast.”
Still wants the job permanently…
“If I get this job, there’s going to be significant change,” based on how he would prefer to do the job.
“It would look different.”
Given all of the potential candidates, including Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and current Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, owner Jim Irsay could have the pick of the litter to lead the team in 2023.
The Case for Aaron Glenn & Raheem Morris
Glenn and Morris are two defensive coaches with plenty of NFL coaching experience.
Glenn, a seven-year defensive backs coach before becoming Lions defensive coordinator in 2021, led a defense that struggled during the first half of the season — a big reason the Lions started 1-6. The Lions also allowed the most yards in the NFL in 2022 (392.4).
However, in its last eight games, Detroit’s defense improved significantly, giving up only 20.4 points per game and going 6-2 en route to making a playoff push.
Unlike Glenn, Morris already possesses head coaching experience. He was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach from 2009-2011 and was interim head coach for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 after Dan Quinn was fired. That season, he led the Falcons to a 4-7 record.
What stands out on Morris’ resume is his 2022 Super Bowl ring with the Rams. With the Rams finishing 5-12 in 2022, Morris’ defense wasn’t as productive as it was in 2021, but his zone defense philosophy and leadership makes him a top candidate.
The Case for Ben Johnson & Shane Steichen
Johnson began his time with the Lions in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach. After two years coaching tight ends, he took the reins calling plays in 2022.
As a result, the Lions’ offense looked as good as it had in years. Detroit ranked fourth in yards per game (380) and fifth in points scored (26.6), and running back Jamaal Williams led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns.
With an increased demand for young, offensive-minded head coaches, it’s also important to remember that Johnson is just 36 years old.
Steichen is 37 and has helped guide one of the league’s most prolific offenses.
The Eagles have averaged 389.1 yards and 28.1 points per contest — each ranking third in the NFL.
Nick Sirianni, the Colts’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2020, is currently the Eagles’ head coach. He and Steichen have each helped run Philadelphia’s offense for the past two years.