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Colts Reportedly Interviewing Three Offensive Line Coaches for Opening

By Luke Schultheis

Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive line coach John Benton talks with players against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Dolphins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive line coach John Benton talks with players against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Dolphins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Fox Sports NFL Reporter Alex Marvez, the Indianapolis Colts are interviewing 3 candidates for the team’s offensive line coach opening including the Miami Dolphins John Benton, New York Giants Pat Flaherty, and San Francisco 49ers Chris Foerster:

It comes just a day after it was reported that the Colts were reportedly interested in Flaherty and Foerster, as the team attempts to reshuffle their offensive line coaching staff.

Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; NFL offensive lines coach Pat Flaherty in a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; NFL offensive lines coach Pat Flaherty in a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Foerster spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers as their offensive line coach, but could be on the move as 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula was recently fired–meaning a new coaching staff could be coming in. Prior to this season, the 54 year old coach spent 5 years as the Washington Redskins offensive line coach. He has over 33 seasons of coaching experience.

In regards to Flaherty, he has spent the past 12 seasons as the New York Giants offensive line coach, during recently departed head coach Tom Coughlin‘s entire Giants tenure. He has over 35 years of coaching experience. Like Foerster, he could be replaced by the Giants new head coach’s coaching staff or look to seek a new coaching opportunity all together.

However, it’s the first we’ve heard of the Colts interest in Benton, who just finished his 2nd season as the Miami Dolphins offensive line coach. Prior to joining the Dolphins, Benton was the Houston Texans offensive line coach from 2006-2013, as well as the St. Louis Rams from 2004-2005 respectively.

Benton has over 28 years of coaching experience including 17 years in the college ranks and 11 seasons as an NFL assistant. Similar to Foerster and Flaherty, the Dolphins are currently in the process of naming a new head coach–so he’s seeking a new opportunity elsewhere.

Either way, the Colts clearly need to help improve their offensive line, especially when it comes to protecting their franchise player Andrew Luck:

"“The Colts offensive line clearly struggled last season, as the Colts surrendered the 2nd most QB hits with 118 total QB hits, which was only 3 less than the league-leading Cleveland Browns at 121 total QB Hits.”“Things didn’t fare much better on the ground, as the Colts finished 29th in rushing, averaging 89.9 rush yards per game. Not to mention, the team only had 6 rushing touchdowns on the season which was 28th best in the NFL.”"

Each of these three offensive line coaching candidates possesses a wide array of NFL experience and appears to be a qualified candidate for the opening. At this point, it certainly couldn’t hurt in trying to improve the Colts offensive line.

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