The Indianapolis Colts chose at the end of the 2024 season to let defensive coordinator Gus Bradley go, to virtually no one's surprise. Bradley's defense was one of the worst in the league, and it seems that the Colts are looking to completely rebuild their defense in response. There are plenty of available candidates, and the Colts have already announced interviews with two candidates - Lou Anuramo and Steve Wilks - but two more candidates have been thrown into the mix.
Dennis Allen
Dennis Allen, the former head coach of the New Orlean Saints, was fired in November of 2024; he previously served as a defensive line and secondary coach for the Saints from 2006 - 2010. He then worked as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and as head coach from the Oakland Raiders. He was then rehired as a senior defensive assistant by the Saints, was promoted to defensive coordinator, and ultimately was named head coach in 2022.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Colts will be interviewing Allen as defensive coordinator. He has some similarities to Bradley; both had unsuccessful stints as head coaches, and did better as defensive coordinators. According to Fowler, the Colts are not the only team interested; he tweeted, "Allen is expected to be a prime candidate for other opportunities due to his work with New Orleans’ defense over the years."
Under Allen, the Saints' defense performed well, and he is known for his versatility.
Ephraim Banda
The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Colts interviewed Ephraim Banda on Friday.
Banda briefly played football in college before an injury cut his career short; he immediately swerved to coaching instead. He began working as the safeties coach for the University of Miami in 2016 under defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, and moved on to Utah State in 2021 as defensive coordinator.
He joined the NFL in 2023, working as safeties coach under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. While Banda doesn't have much experience, he is widely seen as an up-and-comer. Under his leadership, Utah State's defense went from one of the worst in college football to a unit to be respected.
Banda's mentors as Schwartz and Diaz, both of whom are noted for their aggressive styles, something the Colts' defense has lacked in recent years. It would be a huge difference from Bradley's coaching style, which could be exactly what this Indianapolis team needs right now.