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.
2. Sean Payton, Last Coached 2021 New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton has been making headlines for possibly returning to coaching after taking this season off. He has coached football for 24 years and has amassed a record of 222-161-1 and won a Super Bowl against the Colts in 2009. He was named the Coach of the Year in 2006 and has many other awards to his name. Payton wanted to take the year off but has left the door open for a return.
In a recent interview, Payton said that he would return to a team that was in a good state. The Colts are not really in the best of states as things currently stand and Payton said he wanted to avoid teams that can be described as “dysfunctional.” I think the Colts are as close to that as they can be. The hope is that getting a new coach will bring a newly rejuvenated team together that is hungry to win.
Sean Payton may be a shot in the dark for Indianapolis but one the team should take solely because of the interest to bring in a future Hall-of-Fame coach. Payton will bring a winning pedigree to any team. That is something that the Colts need. There is a new vibe that is needed and I think that Sean Payton brings that vibe to a team.
Not to mention, there would also be a chance that he could pull some former players over to Indy too if he were to be hired. I would love to see Payton coach in Indianapolis next year, but the Colts need to clean things up to make the job more appealing.
1. Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan Head Coach
Jim Harbaugh coached for six years in the NFL. He was the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2002 and 2003 and was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers for four years and had a Super Bowl appearance against his brother, John. Harbaugh is well-liked by the fans in Indy as he gave several years of service as quarterback for the Colts. He is also a Ring of Honor member and has his name up in Lucas Oil Stadium.
Jim Harbaugh has done a good job in his career as a coach. It seems like he has coached his whole life. He is currently coaching the Wolverines at the University of Michigan, but if the right offer were to be made for him to take an NFL job, I think he would. I truly believe we will see him in Indy. If there is a new coach that the Colts bring in after this season ends, I think it will be Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh is one of the most likable guys in football. He has a contagious smile that can spread in a locker room, he has a fiery personality, and he has ties to this city and team already. I think this move would be a huge get for the Colts. I am high on Harbaugh and think that we could see him for a dozen years if he comes. He has shown that he can create and sustain excellence wherever he goes.
I will not complain about any of these guys. They all have a personality and vibe that the Colts have not had in years. It will be interesting to see how the Jeff Saturday experience goes starting this Sunday against the Raiders. Was a coaching change what the Colts needed? Time will tell as the season progresses.
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