Matt Eberflus was among those shocked that the Colts decided to fire Frank Reich.
The decision to tab Saturday, who has no pro or college coaching experience, to lead the Colts in the interim was also a surprise to former Colts head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dungy. However, Dungy coached Saturday and understands what Irsay sees in him.Under Center Podcast.
"I personally wouldn't have made the move right now. I would have stayed the course because that gives you the best chance to make the playoffs. But I know what he was looking at. Someone who can lead, who can galvanize, who can bring the group together, and he felt Jeff could do that. "Also, when they were playing well and they were a playoff team, their offensive line was the focal point of the team. They are a highly paid bunch of guys up there. They are not playing well, and who better to get that group going again and say, 'this is what we are going to build our team around these next eight weeks,' than Jeff Saturday."Irsay's explanation for picking Saturday was ... all over the place.
"I wanted a winning coach, a winning playoff coach that was proven," Irsay said Monday."Now, I'm glad he doesn't have NFL experience and that he hasn't learned the fear that's in this league. There was no other candidate. We were fortunate he was available. He has tons of experience." Irsay said the move to install Saturday is about turning the 2022 season around and that there will be a full hiring process conducted after the season, but he hopes Saturday is around for more than eight games.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Indianapolis Colts fire coach Frank ReichFrank Reich finishes his Colts career with a 40-34-1 record, the final nail coming in a 26-3 loss to the Patriots on Sunday.
Read more »
Emergency podcast: Indianapolis Colts fire Frank Reich, hire Jeff Saturday as interim head coach
Read more »
Colts Fire Frank Reich After 5 Seasons, Name Jeff Saturday Interim Head CoachThe Indianapolis Colts have fired head coach Frank Reich ... and named Jeff Saturday the interim HC.
Read more »
Tony Dungy Disagrees With Colts’ Firing Frank Reich, QB SituationThe former Indianapolis coach explained what he thinks the team should have done regarding its coach and quarterbacks.
Read more »
If the Colts Decide to Rebuild, the Bears Should Swoop inIf the Colts decide to tear down their roster, the Bears could take advantage in the second phase of their rebuild, by taking on players who have already played under head coach Matt Eberflus.
Read more »