The Colts made an unprecedented change atop their staff Monday, dismissing coach Frank Reich and replacing him with Jeff Saturday, who is beloved in Indianapolis as a franchise great but enters with zero college or NFL coaching experience. Hours later, team owner Jim Irsay officially welcomed Saturday, the former Pro Bowl center, to his interim post alongside general manager Chris Ballard, proclaiming the new hire “fully capable” of becoming the Colts’ permanent head coach.
Here’s a rundown of all the main topics addressed during the team’s nearly 45-minute press conference:
When did the Colts call Saturday with the job offer? After a moment of hesitation, Irsay revealed he “picked up the phone” Sunday night, as in hours after Indy’s loss to the Patriots, and less than 24 hours before Saturday’s arrival was announced.
How did Saturday react to the offer? “It escalated quickly,” the new coach admitted. “He asked me and my wife, Karen. We talked about it, prayed about it. … It was a 12-hour whirlwind.”
Does Saturday understand the skepticism about his qualifications? “I’d be shocked as well,” he said. “I’ll be frank, I asked Mr. Irsay, ‘Tell me why I am a candidate you would consider in any role.’ … (But) I felt very prepared.” Saturday added that he’s spent roughly five years preparing to begin a coaching career, studying with Colts staffers and previously with 49ers GM John Lynch.
Did the Colts consider other interim coaching candidates? Nope, Irsay said. “It wasn’t offered to anyone else.”
Is Saturday a legitimate candidate to be the permanent coach? “There’s no talk of permanence at this point,” Irsay said, adding the Colts are “following the Rooney Rule to a tee” and will conduct a full interview process with additional candidates, including minorities, after the season. Much of Irsay’s commentary, however, suggested Saturday has long-term prospects: “Obviously we think he is one of those candidates. … This is for eight games, hopefully more.”
Why should fans trust Irsay’s judgement here? “It’s an intuitive decision,” the owner argued. “When I hired Tony Dungy, it was done very methodical [sic]. Then, I wanted a winning playoff coach that was proven. … Now, I’m glad (Saturday) doesn’t have NFL experience. I’m glad he hasn’t learned the fear that’s in this league. … (Coaches) are afraid, they go to analytics, and it gets difficult. He doesn’t have that…
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