Darius Butler wants to be the Colts next defensive coordinator

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 6: Darius Butler #20 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 6, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 6: Darius Butler #20 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 6, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Former Indianapolis Colts defensive back, Darius Butler, wants to be the team’s next defensive coordinator.

On Thursday, the moment many anticipated for weeks finally became a reality. The Indianapolis Colts’ former defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, was named head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Eberflus had done a great job with Indy’s defense for four seasons, so it was only a matter of time before he took the next step. Now, Indianapolis has the burden of replacing him.

Fortunately for the Colts, being the DC in Indy is a good position that should have a lot of folks interested. One of those people has already openly expressed their interest, that’s Darius Butler.

Darius Butler puts in a bid for Colts defensive coordinator opening

Butler played nine seasons as a defensive back in the NFL, including six seasons with the Colts. That was his longest tenure with any team and where he made his home in the NFL.

While people often joke on social media, Butler’s interest in the position appears to be serious. Also, within hours of his statement, he’s already got some strong endorsements from people involved with Indianapolis.

Colts legend, Robert Mathis, replied saying that Butler has an “Extremely high football IQ that understands the importance of syncing pass rush with coverage!!!” When Mathis speaks, people listen, so maybe Butler should be taken seriously.

If the future Hall of Famer’s words weren’t enough, current Colts defensive back, Kenny Moore, also expressed interest in the idea, tweeting “Let us see what you got DBut. I’m here for it.” So that’s a former and current Indianapolis defender endorsing Butler, what else is needed?

Well, Butler came with one last supporting document to boost his resume. He called it his “official letter of recommendation”, and it came from the man who coached the Colts while Butler played, Chuck Pagano.

Pagano spoke extremely highly of Butler. The way Pagano described him shows that Butler has the traits that are often associated with players-turned-coaches.

He referred to him as a coach on the field and said that the coaches felt comfortable going to Butler to help game plan and that “D-But knew the game inside and out.” Honestly, that sounds like a pretty good candidate.

Darius Butler becoming Colts defensive coordinator isn’t unrealistic

At first, this could just seem like a laughable idea, but with Pagano’s words and a view of the coaching landscape of the league, it’s not that bizarre.

After a short stint as a backup quarterback in the NFL, Kellen Moore was made the Dallas Cowboys quarterback coach. A year later, he was promoted to offensive coordinator, the position that he still holds.

Moore is only 33 years old with very limited experience and has been fast-tracked through the coaching ranks and some feel that he’s ready to become a head coach.

If Moore could secure his position and have success, Darius Butler at 35 years old with a respected defensive mind could be the Colts’ next defensive coordinator.