After the whole Josh McDaniels fiasco, some assistant coaches were left flapping in the wind. But Colts owner Jim Irsay stepped up and let everyone know that they were going to keep those assistants, and that has great value to the team.
Most coaches get to choose their own assistants when they get a new head coaching job. Frank Reich got to choose most of his, but some were chosen for him. That’s because after Josh McDaniels backed out of the job, the Colts announced they were keeping his assistants that had already signed on.
That action could have major ramifications on the field. If Reich doesn’t like the work the assistants are doing, it could undermine the success of the team. It also could undermine Reich’s authority to have control of the team.
But the positives that could come with it vastly outweigh those possible consequences. Showing the good will to keep those assistants will make the Colts a valued organization. Coaches will want to coach in Indy because they realize they will be supported completely.
It also shows players in the locker room how everyone in the organization gets treated. Irsay and GM Chris Ballard showed the players that if they do the right things, the organization will stand by them. They will support them and keep them in their family culture.
If the product doesn’t work out on the field, then Reich will have the power to fire assistants at his discretion. But all of the assistants who were signed on are quality guys. They will be given ample opportunity to impress, and most of them should.
Next: Jacoby Brissett's Possible Future with the Colts
All of the assistants have done well so far in the offseason. Once training camp starts up, it will give Colts fans a chance to see just how well they can coach.