3 most intriguing early coaching candidates that can return the Colts to contender status
By Dailey Gee
After firing Frank Reich, the Indianapolis Colts have the opportunity to shake things up with some intriguing coaching candidates.
In case you missed it, The Indianapolis Colts decided to part ways with head coach Frank Reich. The Colts were quick to hire an interim to replace Reich, deciding to bring back former center Jeff Saturday to serve as coach. Saturday has never coached on the college or pro level but that did not stop the Colts from bringing him in and giving him a shot. Many people questioned why Indy didn’t give the job to someone already in the building like former players and current assistant coaches Reggie Wayne and Bubba Ventrone.
Nevertheless, the Colts will still have a decision to make after the season ends. Who will be the next full-time coach in Indy? I have three names in mind that Indianapolis should consider if they decide to not keep Saturday.
3. DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator
DeMeco Ryans is a name that seems to always get brought up for possibly landing a head coaching job as of late and there is no secret why. Ryans was a great linebacker in his time as a player in the NFL. He racked up hundreds of tackles and was always a guy that teams game planned for. He is now in his sixth year of coaching. In 2017, he started his coaching career as the Defensive Quality Control Coach in San Francisco, then followed that up with three years of being the inside linebackers coach. Then, last year, he became the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.
Ryans is such an intriguing candidate because of the way that his teams have gravitated around him. He is a true leader and it shows on Sundays by how hard his defense competes for him on the field. In the two years that he has been the defensive coordinator, the 49ers have had one of the best defenses in the league. That side of the ball always performs and that speaks volumes to their leader.
It is just a matter of time before Ryans is a head coach in this league. He is drawing interest from many teams. I think the Colts have a really good defense right now but with a defensive-minded coach like DeMeco Ryans, it could take a huge step toward being one of the best in the league.