The Colts are divided on Jeff Saturday as a permanent head coach. Should he get the job?

After dismissing their head coach in the middle of a dismal season, the Colts gave Jeff Saturday the post on an interim basis. Now, it seems as though the franchise’s owner wants him to stay, but not everyone in the organization agrees.’

Will Jeff Saturday be promoted to permanent Colts head coach?

The Colts may be on the verge of having a new permanent head coach. Except, he’s actually the interim head coach, Jeff Saturday. Let’s back track a bit. Last October, the Indianapolis Colts took the decision to fire then head coach, Frank Reich. It was Week 5 of the season and the Colts were on a 1-4 record, which is not good. At the time, assistant coach Steve Wilks was appointed to the post as an interim head coach with the intention that he would see out the season.

Yet, just a few weeks later the franchise announced that Saturday - who defiantly stated he was up for the task - would be taking over and as they say, the rest is history. Albeit a history that didn’t include a trip to the post season. Now with the season over, it would appear that some would like to see Jeff Saturday get the job on a full-time basis, not the least of which is the Colts’ owner himself, Jim Irsay. On the other hand, reports suggest that there are those within the franchise who do not want to see Saturday take over fully.

What do we know about Jeff Saturday’s situation?

At present, it’s understood that Saturday is set for another round of talks with the Colts. It’s worth mentioning, that while he was in fact a six-time Pro Bowl center, his post career exploits where football is concerned, have included nothing more than working as an NFL television analyst. Indeed, after he took over, Saturday oversaw a 1-7 run across the final eight games of the campaign. If we’re honest, that’s not even whole lot better than Reich’s 3-5-1 started which ended in his dismissal. To be clear, the 4-12-1 overall record is Indianapolis’ worst season since 2017. What makes the situation even more puzzling, is that the Colts were heavily criticized for Saturday’s appointment, which begs the question: Why would Irsay want to stick with a coach who has no previous experience at this level and furthermore, demonstrated that fact with a terrible record?

What has Jeff Saturday said?

If there’s one thing Jeff Saturday has, it’s got to be self-belief. Clearly aware of the criticism being leveled at both himself and the franchise, Saturday was bullish in his comments when it was first reported that he would be taking over.

“I’m completely comfortable in who I am as a man. I know I can lead men. I know I know the game of football and I’m passionate about it. I have no fear about, are you as qualified as somebody else. I spent 14 years in a locker room. I went to playoffs 12 times. I got five dudes in the Hall of Fame that I played with. You don’t think I’ve seen greatness you don’t think I’ve seen how people prepare, how they coach, how they GM, how they work? I mean, won Super Bowls, been to two. Here’s the deal’ man. None of us are promised a good job. I may be terrible at this. And after eight games’ I’ll say, God bless you. I am no good. I may be really good. I got no idea’ but I dang sure ain’t gonna back down. I can tell you that.”

Where do the Colts stand?

Ultimately, Saturday may have the backing of the owner, but his status is by no means secure. According to reports, the Colts do in fact have a number of second interviews scheduled with a variety of candidates. Among them, are Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. In the face of such competition, we can only assume that if the former Super Bowl - with the Colts in 2007 - manages to secure the job, it won’t be because of his experience, but perhaps his effect.