Report: Chris Ballard, Not Jim Irsay, to Lead Colts’ Coaching Search

The 2022 season is barely just a little greater than 24 hours for the Indianapolis Colts, but the offseason discuss is in full swing.

A lot of the discuss surrounding the Colts at this second is concerning the seek for their subsequent head coach. After proprietor Jim Irsay fired former head coach Frank Reich in the course of the season and changed him with former Colts All-Professional middle Jeff Saturday because the interim, many thought that Irsay can be the person heading the seek for the subsequent full-time head coach. Nevertheless, that might not be the case.

Based on Zak Keefer of The Athletic, the Colts plan to have normal supervisor Chris Ballard lead the seek for the subsequent head coach. Whereas Irsay will definitely have a say in who turns into the subsequent head coach of the Colts, Ballard will likely be charged with deciding for the franchise.

Ballard led the way in which in the course of the Colts’ final teaching search in 2018. He had initially settled on then-New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels earlier than McDaniels turned down the Colts within the eleventh hour. Ballard then pivoted to Reich, who coached the Colts for the subsequent 4.5 seasons..

Ballard has taken warmth from followers and media alike for his function within the Colts’ abysmal 2022 marketing campaign. His fingerprints are throughout a roster that enormously underachieved this season and a group that appears far-off from competing any time quickly. In Ballard’s six seasons as normal supervisor, the Colts are 45-52-1 with solely two playoff appearances and only one playoff win.

Regardless of the criticism from the surface, Irsay has stood behind his normal supervisor and believes he’s the best man to assemble a championship-winning group. Irsay has no plans of firing Ballard at the moment.

“Actually, it’s probably not even within the consciousness of my thoughts about that kind of factor,” Irsay stated in November when requested about Ballard’s job standing. “Look it, Chris was extremely wanted when he got here right here. It was an excellent indication this group – that he wished to come back right here. He might’ve gone anyplace he wished. He’s been government of the 12 months earlier than. You guys can attempt to diminish him all you need, however that’s simply your phrases. They haven’t any substance to it as a result of there isn’t a reality in it. I imply, the man is a winner and he’s been immensely profitable.”

Ballard will get one other probability to show the Colts round, beginning with who he picks because the group’s head coach. The Colts plan to take issues gradual and interview quite a lot of candidates. Some doable candidates which have already been linked to the Colts are Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and Buffalo Payments defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. 

Saturday can be thought-about a severe candidate, regardless of going 1-7 because the interim head coach. Nevertheless, stories are Ballard was towards the rent of Saturday again in November, but Irsay was set on naming him because the interim. Issues could have smoothed over within the months since, however Saturday might not be as massive of a favourite to land the job if Ballard is main the search as a substitute of Irsay.

The Colts will forged a large web as they search for candidates. Ballard might want to hit on whoever he chooses to be the subsequent head coach, amongst different massive choices this offseason. If not, his time in Indianapolis could not final for much longer.

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