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Decisions suggest fewer candidates on Colts' HC shortlist

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Recent decisions suggest fewer candidates are on Colts' HC shortlist

By Colum Dell | Last updated 2/7/23

Following another dreadful season, the Indianapolis Colts are ready for a fresh start in 2023.

Although seven finalists reportedly remain for the vacant head coaching position, a recent decision may suggest there's a more specific shortlist.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Indianapolis has blocked other teams from interviewing DC Gus Bradley, indicating that Bradley and his defensive staff will return for at least next season.

Zak Keefer of The Athletic adds that up to four candidates have told the Colts' brass that they're willing to bring Bradley and his staff back next. Keefer did not mention any specific names, however.

Believe @AlbertBreer mentioned in his MMQB column that Colts have blocked teams from interviewing Gus Bradley for their DC position. That's b/c several of the head-coaching candidates (as many as 4) have told Colts' brass they intend to bring Bradley and his staff back to Indy.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) February 7, 2023

Eagles OC Shane Steichen and Bengals OC Brian Callahan are the two offensive-minded coaching candidates in consideration for the Colts' HC position.

Among the options with defensive backgrounds are Giants DC Don "Wink" Martindale, Lions DC Aaron Glenn, and Rams DC Raheem Morris.

Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia and Colts interim HC Jeff Saturday round out the field.

Oddschecker updated its lines on Indianapolis' coaching search Sunday, with Martindale becoming the favorite (-150). While the oddsmakers believe Martindale is the frontrunner, what are the chances that a DC turned first-time HC would be comfortable inheriting a different defensive staff and system?

An offensive-minded coach also makes far more sense from the Colts' perspective, considering that Bradley and the rest of the defensive staff are staying.

There's a strong probability that Indianapolis will select a QB in the 2023 NFL Draft, further justifying the hiring of offensive coaches such as Steichen or Callahan.

Given their history, Morris, who worked with Bradley on Tampa Bay's coaching staff in 2007 and 2008, could be an exception.

Besides Morris, other candidates are also familiar with Bradley. Steichen worked with him on the Chargers staff from 2017-20.

Steichen has been Philadelphia's OC under former Colts OC Nick Sirianni for the last two seasons.

Of course, Saturday and Bradley were together this past season, but it's worth noting that NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Colts are "leaning against Saturday" as their HC.

In all likelihood, Morris, Steichen, and Saturday were three of the possible four candidates Keefer mentioned that were content with keeping Bradley.

The Colts will have to wait until after the Super Bowl to hire Steichen, which may explain why they have yet to decide on a coach. As far as Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's pick for Colts HC goes, he gave Callahan his endorsement. Callahan was an assistant with the Broncos during Manning's time in Denver.

Manning's input could carry some weight with Colts owner Jim Irsay, though he did advocate for Adam Gase to get the Jets HC job.

Hopefully, once Indianapolis' already near-month-long search ends, it will be able to turn things around after struggling mightily for the past few years.

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