What did Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday have to say about the doubts surrounding his qualifications?
The Colts interim coach has made it clear that no matter what, he won’t be backing down. Perhaps that’s the kind of attitude needed to turn things around in Indianapolis.
After the sudden dismissal of former Colts coach Frank Reich, attention quickly turned to the appointment of interim coach Jeff Saturday, who for all intents and purposes doesn’t exactly have a length CV. Indeed, it was on that point that he recently spoke at length.
Colts coach Jeff Saturday defends himself against the doubters
Given the kind of critique that was thrown at him, following Colts owner Jim Irsay’s decision to appoint him as interim coach, it was only a matter of time before Jeff Saturday had something to say in response. A six-time Pro Bowl center for the Colts and the Packers, Saturday probably isn’t used to people questioning his credentials but as a coach, he hasn’t exactly got tons of success under his belt. Indeed, with no coaching experience at college level or in the league, many have questioned whether he’s fit for the job. Yet, when speaking on the situation during his second day on the job, it was clear that if nothing else, he’s not only extremely passionate, but he appears to have the support of the roster he’s about to lead for the final nine games of the 2022 season. Here’s what he had to say:
“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.”
What have the Colts players said about Jeff Saturday?
As mentioned before, Saturday has the backing of his team. Even though they are currently on a 3-5-1 record, a scenario that understandably no coach, player or fan wanted to be in, it’s now clear that the Colts are willing to fight for their new interim coach. “He cares about this place, that is evident,” quarterback Matt Ryan said of Saturday. “He knows football. (But) it’s a lot...I completely understand that. He’s got a lot on his plate.”