Shane Steichen is reportedly the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Is there a chance Jeff Saturday could still return?
On Sunday, it was reported that the Indianapolis Colts are planning to make Shane Steichen the team’s next head coach. Steichen was in action on Sunday as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, and he flew to Indianapolis Monday morning, seemingly to finalize a deal. This report made Colts fans really happy. Not only was Steichen a coveted candidate that generated excitement, but it meant that Jeff Saturday wouldn’t be Indy’s next head coach.
After surprisingly being given the interim head coach position, Saturday went 1-7 but still became a serious candidate for the Colts. He advanced to the second round of interviews and fans made sure to express that they didn’t want Saturday as the team’s head coach. Well, the fans got their wish. Will Jeff Saturday now go back to ESPN as an analyst or is it possible that he could still be added to Indy’s staff in some capacity?
Although he didn’t receive the head coaching position, some things are still true. Jim Irsay still loves Saturday, Indy’s players still respect Saturday as a coach, and Jeff Saturday still wants to get into coaching. Could he return to Indianapolis as an assistant coach moving forward?
.@SaturdayJeff for #Colts OL Coach! pic.twitter.com/wNawlEhDKu
— Colts Coverage (@Colts_Coverage) February 12, 2023
Should Colts hire Jeff Saturday as an assistant coach?
Shane Steichen has to build a coaching staff and Saturday could be a name that makes sense. Despite what outsiders believe, and Indy’s record under Saturday, players argued that he made a difference. Indianapolis’ offensive line did improve during Saturday’s stint. Considering that he had a legendary playing career as a center, Saturday could possibly be brought back as the offensive line coach.
Indy’s offensive line coach for the last four years, Chris Strausser, is reportedly a top target for the Houston Texans. Additionally, Kevin Mawae, Indy’s assistant offensive line coach, has departed to be a high school head coach. So, Steichen has to add an offensive line coach for sure since there’s an opening. The question is just, how receptive will everyone be to the idea of that coach being Saturday?
Will Saturday mind taking a backseat? Will Shane Steichen care about hiring someone who once had a powerful voice in the locker room and organization? There could be some roadblocks but it makes sense for both the Colts and Saturday. Saturday can continue to have an impact on Indy’s improvement and he’ll also be getting valuable coaching experience.
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