All signs point to Josh McDaniels as the Colts next head coach
The Colts next coach will either be one with an offensive background or one with a defensive background as the two finalists have been revealed.
The coaching search for the Indianapolis Colts appears to be winding down to a resolution.
The Colts have narrowed down their options for Chuck Pagano’s replacement to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Houston Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. There could be the proverbial surprise candidate to emerge but Breer says McDaniels and Vrabel are the finalists.
The Colts previously interviewed Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richards and Baylor head coach Matt Rhule who notified the Colts he will not be leaving the college game for the NFL.
Per sources, Patriots OC Josh McDaniels and Texans DC Mike Vrabel have emerged as finalists for the Colts job. Indy could still add a candidate, I’m told. But those are the 2 in it now.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 13, 2018
While Breer lists the two as finalists for the Colts job, I believe McDaniels is the preferred candidate as the team is seeking an offensive-minded coach to mentor quarterback Andrew Luck. I would be stunned if McDaniels is not named the Colts head coach as soon as the season is over for the Patriots. Now, that may not be for a couple more weeks as they are potentially headed to the Super Bowl.
McDaniels brings head coaching experience with him from a short stint in Denver that should provide some lessons for him to avoid in the future should he get a second chance as the Colts head coach. He’s proven just about all he can as the offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick for the Patriots. He’s worked for Belichick and with Tom Brady for so long that he’s going to bring to Indianapolis the type of offensive principles and organizational philosophy needed to win.
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That’s something the Colts haven’t been able to do in recent years as Luck has dealth with some health issues. He missed the entire season as he recovered from shouler surgery and the hope and belief is he’ll be ready to suit up and resume his once-promising NFL career next year.
And if he can do so with McDaniels as his head coach, he should be able to get back to posting the big numbers and the big wins he made routine his first three years in the league.