Colts’ Jim Irsay defends Jeff Saturday rent: ‘Absolutely succesful’

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts proprietor Jim Irsay on Monday evening vigorously defended his gorgeous determination to rent former Indianapolis offensive lineman Jeff Saturday as his group’s interim head coach, saying the first-time NFL coach is “totally skilled sufficient” and “totally succesful.”

Irsay fired coach Frank Reich on Monday morning following late-night deliberations with common supervisor Chris Ballard on Sunday. Then, shortly afterward, the group introduced the hiring of Saturday, at the moment an ESPN analyst. It’s Saturday’s first teaching expertise above the highschool degree.

Irsay spoke at size Monday evening concerning the toughness Saturday displayed throughout 13 seasons with the Colts, with whom he made 5 Professional Bowls.

“Need to wager in opposition to this man?” Irsay exclaimed. “Put your cash down. [I’d] like to see it, as a result of I do know what he is about.”

Irsay mentioned the choice to fireside Reich was troublesome however attributed it to a way of realizing it was time based mostly on his lengthy expertise as a second-generation NFL proprietor.

“There is not any rule guide that tells you, ‘Now you need to make a change,'” Irsay mentioned. “It is one thing from being within the league 52 years. It is intuitive.”

Irsay mentioned the intent is to maneuver ahead with Saturday for the ultimate eight video games of the common season, after which the Colts are anticipated to conduct a proper teaching search. However Irsay made no try to cover his desire that issues work out and Saturday earn the job on a everlasting foundation.

“That is for eight video games, hopefully extra,” he mentioned.

Irsay was pressed on whether or not the group will really pursue an sincere teaching search that totally complies with the Rooney Rule, which mandates that NFL groups interview a minimum of two exterior minority candidates earlier than shifting ahead with a head-coaching rent.

He responded adamantly, saying there can be a compliant search whereas additionally noting his hiring in 2002 of Tony Dungy, who went on to develop into the primary Black head coach to win a Tremendous Bowl, and his successor, Jim Caldwell, who can be Black.

As for the destiny of Ballard, Irsay rapidly dismissed any ideas of parting with the sixth-year GM.

“There is not any query about that,” Irsay mentioned. “Truthfully, it is probably not even within the consciousness of my thoughts. … The man’s a winner, and he is been immensely profitable.”

Ballard revealed that the Colts tried in 2019 to rent Saturday as offensive line coach and approached him a few place earlier this 12 months, too. Neither overture resulted in him becoming a member of the workers, however the franchise has had curiosity going again a number of years in Saturday, who has been a guide for the Colts and is near Irsay.

Saturday, who was undrafted, leaned into his previous inexperience.

“This is an awesome half about my profession,” he mentioned. “I got here in, no one expects something. I am right here. No person expects something. Hopefully it will go extraordinarily nicely. However I’ve no preconceived notion that I am gonna be some spectacular something.”

Saturday will coach his first sport Sunday on the highway in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders. He mentioned he had not but determined who will likely be his offensive playcaller however was shut to creating a choice Monday night. Sam Ehlinger will proceed because the beginning quarterback, Saturday mentioned.