AP source: Eagles’ Steichen leads Colts’ coaching candidates
from: ROB MAADDI AP Professional football writer
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Updated:
PHOENIX (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is the front-runner for the Indianapolis Colts’ next head coach, a person familiar with the team’s decision told The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because Steichen coached the Eagles against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl and a deal wasn’t finalized.
Steichen, one of three finalists for AP Assistant Coach of the Year, became the Eagles’ second offensive coordinator to be hired by the Colts as head coach. Frank Reich, who was fired by the Colts earlier this season, was Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator before becoming Indianapolis head coach in 2018.
The Colts were impressed with Steichen’s ability to help develop Jalen Hurts, who was a finalist for AP NFL MVP and AP Offensive Player of the Year awards.
The Colts fired Reich in early November after a third straight loss and provisionally replaced him with Jeff Saturday. After winning his first game, Saturday and the Colts lost their last seven, finishing 4-12-1.
On Saturday, a former two-time All-Pro center who snapped the ball to Hall of Famer quarterback Peyton Manning for 12 seasons with the Colts was working as an ESPN analyst when the Colts used him as Reich’s replacement.
Saturday was a candidate for permanent employment from Indianapolis. He was among those who got a second interview. Reich was hired as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers last month.
Reich’s offensive coordinator at Indy from 2018-2020 was Nick Sirianni, who led the Eagles to the Super Bowl in just his second season as head coach.
https://www.wane.com/news/ap-source-eagles-steichen-leads-colts-coaching-candidates/ AP source: Eagles’ Steichen leads Colts’ coaching candidates
