Many are questioning the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to hire former center and ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday as interim head coach to replace Frank Reich. However, Colts owner Jim Irsay stands by his decision. Irsay told reporters during a news conference Monday that Saturday “he’s pretty experienced” and “he’s fully capable,” despite having only coached football at the high school level. He said he’s “glad” Saturday has no NFL experience and that the job wasn’t offered to anyone else. Irsay was also asked why he chose Saturday as interim head coach over the rest of the team’s coaching staff, and he replied: “Because he’s the best fit. He’s the best man for the job. There’s no doubt in my mind about that. And I’m for a long time.” He compared it to when the Colts named then-offensive coordinator Bruce Arians interim coach after Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012. Irsay also invoked the names of Don Shula and Tony Dungy when talking about Saturday and said he hopes to remain the head coach for more than the eight games remaining in the 2022 season. Saturday played 13 of 14 NFL seasons with the Colts and made five of his six Pro Bowls with the team. The four-time All-Pro helped lead Indianapolis to victory in Super Bowl XLI and was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor after he retired. He served as a consultant for the Colts this season. For his part, Saturday admitted he was “shocked” to be offered the interim manager’s job and said he considered the role an audition for “not only [team] but for others 31”. On Saturday, he will interview the coaches remaining on the staff to determine who he will call upon to play in his coaching debut Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
