Colts are at risk of losing special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone
The Indianapolis Colts could soon be losing respected special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, as other teams show interest.
For years, the Indianapolis Colts have had one of the best special teams units in the NFL. A big reason why is special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone. After a decade in the league as a great special teams player, Ventrone transitioned to coaching and became a star coordinator with the Colts. Unfortunately for Indianapolis, Ventrone’s time in Indy may be coming to an end pretty soon.
It was reported on Tuesday that the Cleveland Browns are parting ways with their special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. Shortly after, it was reported that Cleveland had requested to interview Ventrone, in hopes that he could immediately replace Priefer. Ventrone played four seasons with the Browns, so it would be a fitting return for him to join the team as a special teams coordinator.
Multiple people have already told me this morning that Bubba Ventrone is gone and will take the job in Cleveland. That’s not a confirmation but sounding more like this will happen. https://t.co/EQvbUjoggy
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 21, 2023
Browns request to interview Colts STC Bubba Ventrone
This report took a lot of people by surprise because many were under the impression that both Ventrone and defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, would stay with the Colts as part of Shane Steichen’s staff. However, that was never officially announced to be the case and now it’s clear that Bubba Ventrone could be on his way to another franchise.
If Ventrone is leaving, it would be a tough loss for Indianapolis. As stated earlier, Indy has consistently been a top special teams unit under Ventrone. Additionally, Bubba Ventrone is one of the key leaders in the organization that is loved by several. He’s viewed as a future head coach, so his presence on the staff has always been appreciated. Everyone assumed Indy would eventually lose Ventrone to a head coaching job but it’ll be harder to see him moving on for another special teams role.
However, nothing is official yet. The Browns have also put in other requests for the position, so they may not necessarily be zeroed in on Ventrone. Additionally, Ventrone is under contract with the Colts, so if Cleveland is interested in hiring him as the special teams coordinator, Indy would have to decide to let him out of his contract.
