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Colts are reportedly hiring Tony Sparano Jr. for the team’s most important position

By Jaleel Grandberry

Indianapolis Colts players including Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) walk on the field
Indianapolis Colts players including Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) walk on the field / Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY
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The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly adding Tony Sparano Jr. to Shane Steichen’s coaching staff as an offensive line coach, arguably Indy’s most important move.

Shane Steichen is working to complete his coaching staff for the Indianapolis Colts and it’s been reported that Steichen and Indy have now made one of the most important moves of the offseason: hiring an offensive line coach. The Colts are expected to name Tony Sparano Jr. as Indy’s offensive line coach. Sparano is coming off a season with the New York Giants as their assistant offensive line coach.

Tony Sparano Jr. coaching history

Prior to the 2022 season with the New York Giants, Sparano was the assistant offensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 and also the assistant offensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2017 to 2020. He was also the tight ends coach for the Buffalo Bills in 2015 and 2016. Sparano also held other assistant and intern roles in the NFL dating back to 2011.

He is the son of former coach Tony Sparano, and working alongside his father is how Tony Sparano Jr. got his start in the NFL. Now, Sparano Jr. will have his first opportunity to lead an offensive line with the Indianapolis Colts. Following Indy’s abysmal season In 2022, Sparano will have his work cut out for him.

Tony Sparano Jr. must fix Colts offensive line

In 2022, the Colts allowed 60 sacks, the second-most in the NFL. The offensive line wasn’t good at pass blocking or run blocking last season and they were a big reason why Indianapolis finished the year 4-12-1. At the root of several of Indy’s issues was the offensive line’s inability to block. Sparano must get that changed immediately.

With Shane Steichen now in charge, a talented rookie quarterback on the way, and Gus Bradley returning for a second season to lead a talented defense, the Colts could be a competitive team next season. In order for them to realize that potential, the offensive line must step up and be better. That’s the challenge that Tony Sparano Jr. is taking on with the Colts.

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