The Colts’ search for their next head coach has felt like it’s drawn on forever. It may be coming to a conclusion soon as Indianapolis’ front office has reportedly cut down their list of candidates to two coaches.
The Colts have kept fairly quiet during Chris Ballard’s first search for a head coach as an NFL general manager. That has made fans a little bit restless as they wait to see who will be roaming the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2018.
We’ve known all along that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has been one of Ballard’s top targets, but it was hard to discern who was the next guy on their list after Matt Nagy took a head coaching job with the Bears.
Baylor head coach Matt Rhule made a surprise appearance getting an interview with the Colts’ front office, but he pulled out of the running most likely after it became clear that he wouldn’t get the job.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard also got in the door for an interview, but according to the latest report from Albert Breer he doesn’t crack the list of the Colts’ top two candidates.
Texans DC Mike Vrabel and Pats OC Josh McDaniels make final cut for Colts — and remain in play elsewhere. And more coaching carousel nuggets. https://t.co/z4Zj5VPUcY
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 13, 2018
Mike Vrabel has been an intriguing candidate for this job ever since we wrote a coaching profile of him in December.
He doesn’t have nearly the coaching experience that his former coach Josh McDaniels does, but his three Super Bowl rings as a player could help offset that inexperience. If Vrabel made it this far in the process, it’s obvious that the Colts’ front office was very impressed by his interview.
Next: Despite a Dismal Record, GM Chris Ballard’s First Season Was a Success
If I had to choose between the two I’d lean towards Josh McDaniels, but the positive buzz around Mike Vrabel leads me to believe he’s a very solid candidate as well.