During his end-of-season press conference, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen expressed the importance of continuity with the coaching staff. The statement left many people convinced that the staff wouldn’t undergo much change. So far, that has been the case. However, in recent days, it has become clear that at least a couple of changes will be made.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley seems to be safe, but there’s a chance that offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter could be poached by other teams looking to fill out their own coaching staff. Additionally, it was reported on Wednesday that the Colts decided not to renew the contracts of defensive line coach Nate Ollie and assistant defensive backs coach Mike Mitchell. So that’s at least two coaching positions that Indianapolis will have to address.
The contracts for Colts DL coach Nate Ollie and assistant DBs coach Mike Mitchell were not renewed, per source.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 24, 2024
Colts not renewing contracts of two assistant coaches
Mike Mitchell played safety in the NFL for 10 years. During his decade-long career, he spent time with the Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers, before playing his final season in Indianapolis. His coaching career in the NFL started in 2022 when he was named assistant defensive backs coach for the Colts. After two seasons, he will now be moving on.
Nate Ollie also joined Indianapolis in 2022, taking over as the defensive line coach. It was his first time as a lead position coach. Prior to coming to the Colts, Ollie spent time as an assistant defensive line coach with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
The decision to not renew Ollie’s contract is a bit surprising considering how well the defensive line has been the last two seasons. In 2022, the Colts had 44 sacks, which was the most the franchise has seen since 2005. In 2023, the defense blew through that number, recording 51 sacks, the fourth-most in the NFL. That production came at the hands of several young defensive linemen having the best seasons of their careers. Whoever takes over at the position will have to keep the momentum rolling.