Pros and Cons of being the Colts next defensive coordinator

The Indianapolis Colts have an opening at defensive coordinator and it’s a position many coaches should want.

Recently, the Indianapolis Colts lost their defensive coordinator when Matt Eberflus accepted the position of head coach of the Chicago Bears.

This left a coordinator opening for one of the most consistent defenses in the NFL. Many coaches are likely to jump at the vacancy and explore the possibility of taking over a talented defense, but what would they actually be getting into?

In the last four years under Eberflus, Indy has consistently had an above-average defense, but they haven’t been world-beaters. While good, the defense has certainly had some flaws that a new coordinator will have to address.

Pros of being the Colts next defensive coordinator

There are quite a few positives to being Indy’s next defensive coordinator. The first is that this is a defense with three Pro Bowl players and some other budding stars.

Darius Leonard, Kenny Moore, and DeForest Buckner have already proven themselves as some of the best in the league. Starting with these three at each level of the defense is a dream for coordinators.

Then, there’s also Julian Blackmon, who looked like he was well on his way to stardom before tearing his Achilles. He will return next season and provide this defense with a boost.

Aside from individual players, this is a unit that flies around and makes plays. The new coordinator wouldn’t be in charge of a turnaround effort, instead, they’ll have the privilege of making good, great.

One last pro of the job, Indianapolis is a team on the verge of going to the next level. Whoever takes the job has a good chance of being a part of a successful run. The position can also set them up to be a head coach if that is their goal.

Cons of being the Colts next defensive coordinator

This position certainly has more pros than cons but there are still some drawbacks. Really, it’s just two things that Indy has struggled with on defense the last couple of seasons.

The first drawback is that Indianapolis doesn’t have a consistent pass rush. No matter how much Darius Leonard argues that turnovers are better than sacks, contending teams need a pass rush.

While Indy did draft two EDGE players, that are showing promise, in last year’s draft, the Colts defensive line lacks depth and guys on the edge that can consistently harass quarterbacks.

If Chris Ballard is unable to upgrade the defensive line this offseason, the new coordinator will be challenged with finding creative ways to get sacks.

The other challenge this position will have is developing a more consistent secondary. Various times throughout last season, Indy’s defense got carved up through the air.

Oftentimes, turnovers were used as a bailout method for the defense and not a luxury. The Colts will have to be better against the pass without relying on turnovers.

Some of this could be attributed to the conservative play-calling of Eberflus that fans hated, but some of it is on the players.

In a pass-happy NFL, Indianapolis’ two-biggest defensive struggles involve defending the pass. Improving those areas will be the new defensive coordinator’s biggest challenge.

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