Who is the new Indiana Colts head coach Jeff Saturday, and why was he hired?
Jeff Saturday, the Colts’ new interim head coach who replaced Frank Reich, has little sideline experience, but is “fully capable.” Find out why
On Monday morning, the Indianapolis Colts decided to fire their former head coach, Frank Reich, amidst having one of their worst seasons in recent memory. The franchise’s decision came 24 hours after the Colts had their most embarrassing performance of the season, losing 26-3 to the New England Patriots.
Subsequently, the Colts hired a new interim coach to replace Reich, and he’s none other than the Indy legend-turned-ESPN analyst, Jeff Saturday.
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Who is Saturday, Indy’s new head coach?
In his playing days, Saturday was a two-time All-Pro center with Indy. He clinched a Super Bowl ring in 2007, and some of his best career years involved keeping Peyton Manning off his backside. He spent three years leading Hebron Christian Academy in Georgia after which he smoothly transitioned into sports media, becoming an analyst with ESPN.
While the 47-year-old has had little sideline experience, Saturday has consulted with the Colts for a few years now. GM Chris Ballard even confirmed that Indy tried to hire Saturday to its staff twice in recent history.
Why did the Colts hire Jeff Saturday?
Saturday’s hiring took the NFL world by surprise, especially given his relative inexperience. However, the Colts owner, Jim Irsay, finds Saturday to be a “fully capable” coach who “knows this game inside and out.”
Additionally, Saturday’s familiarity with the organization and the way Irsay operates might be just what the Colts need as they try to make a turnaround in time.
Saturday will now have to prove he is the right person to get the Colts back on track, and will be a part of the mandated head coaching search by the team once the season ends.