Indianapolis, IN
Jeff Saturday thanks Colts organization after hiring of Shane Steichen, addresses savage petition fan started
Jeff Saturday desires Colts followers, together with those that supported him being the interim head coach, to know that he’s nonetheless a “large fan” of the group.
After Frank Reich was fired amid a 3-51- begin to the season, workforce proprietor Jim Irsay named Saturday the coach on an interim foundation. On Tuesday, the Colts introduced the hiring of Shane Steichen because the workforce’s subsequent head coach.
Saturday tweeted a video message on the heels of the Colts’ announcement during which he expressed his gratitude to the group and the followers.
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Indianapolis Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday greets tight finish Nikola Kalinic earlier than an NFL soccer recreation towards the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Picture/David Becker)
The previous six-time Professional Bowl heart shared his well-wishes for Steichen and mentioned he’s “nonetheless an enormous Colt fan.”
“First, I simply need to say to the Colts group and Colts Nation how a lot I admire the chance,” Saturday mentioned. “I am so grateful for the final eight weeks of the season and the chance to signify you guys. I admire the coaches for all of your time, vitality and energy.
“To all of the gamers, laying it on the market each week. I can not let you know how a lot I respect and admire what each play — not just for the Colts however the NFL — (does) and what they placed on the road each week.”
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He additionally talked about the petition that some followers began, which inspired the Colts to not rent Saturday. At one level within the video he even joked that his spouse’s signature might have ended up on the petition.
Saturday was thought-about a finalist for the full-time teaching job, regardless of going 1-7 throughout his time on the helm. He determined to depart his NFL analyst job to turn out to be the interim coach, regardless of having no teaching expertise on the skilled or collegiate ranges.
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However, Irsay appeared to stay supportive of Saturday.
“(I) actually need to thank Jeff Saturday for his dedicated {and professional} effort for what he did, coming in, in a really troublesome state of affairs and doing an admirable job,” Irsay famous throughout Steichen’s introductory information convention on Tuesday. “I actually admire Jeff and thank him. He means loads to this group.”
Indianapolis Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday speaks throughout a information convention on the NFL soccer workforce’s follow facility Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Picture/Darron Cummings)
Saturday performed within the NFL with the Colts from 1999 to 2011, and received a Tremendous Bowl with the workforce. He spent one season with the Packers.
Saturday’s solely soccer teaching expertise got here at the highschool degree from 2017-2020. Earlier than taking the interim teaching job he additionally labored as a guide for the Colts.
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Steichen served because the Eagles offensive coordinator for the previous two seasons. Quarterback Jalen Hurts praised Steichen for his potential to “put guys in positions to make performs.”
He’ll now be tasked with turning round a franchise who has spent the previous a number of seasons in determined search of its subsequent franchise quarterback.