Indianapolis Colts: Head Coach Search Narrowed To Two Names

The head coaching search for the Indianapolis Colts hasn’t exactly gone smoothly based on multiple reports. GM Chris Ballard is getting a workout.

Their top candidate for a considerable stretch was reportedly Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. It made plenty of sense. Ballard knew Nagy very well. The two had worked together for four years from 2013 to 2016. No doubt the GM felt the 39-year old coach was just the man to take over things in hopes of getting Andrew Luck back to where he belongs atop the NFL quarterback heap.

Unfortunately that plan fell apart when Nagy chose to become head coach of the Chicago Bears instead. Since then the team has struggled to pin down any candidates that have a genuine interest in the job. Even Matt Rhule from Baylor elected to turn it down. Thankfully it appears they’ve since gathered themselves and are zeroing in on two possible candidates according to Ian Rapoport. Both coming from the New England Patriots school.

"“Indianapolis has narrowed its search to two candidates: Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel. The plan is to gather intel this weekend, meet, then proceed Monday with either second interviews or simply by making a choice. McDaniels figures to be the front-runner, in part because if it was Vrabel the Colts would have made a move already. Based on the relationship between general manager Chris Ballard and McDaniels, as well as McDaniels’ prowess with the quarterback position, McDaniels has long been in the lead. The only issue is the Colts might have to wait until February to hire him.”"

Josh McDaniels might be the best option they have left

As said earlier, the Colts’ entire situation revolves around Luck. If they can’t get him back to what he was a couple years ago, then their hopes for a quick rebuild are squashed. That more than anything would explain why McDaniels is the current favorite for the job. His work as the Patriots offensive coordinator for the past five seasons has been exemplary, extending the career of Tom Brady into his 40s. Most feel he’s matured a great deal since his failure as a first-time head coach in Denver and is ready for a second chance.

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As for Vrabel. Most agree the Houston Texans defensive coordinator is destined to become a head coach. It seems inevitable at this point. His intelligence, drive and motivational skill are hard to miss. At the same time he’s also still inexperienced. He’s only been a coordinator for a year and often struggled getting his unit to play well. Though in fairness injuries played havoc with his depth chart. Still he’s been molded by some quality coaches in Bill Belichick and Bill O’Brien. If he can nail the interview process, he might steal it.

Everything depends on what Ballard prefers to hear.