Should the Indianapolis Colts Throw the Kitchen Sink at Jim Harbaugh?

With Jim Harbaugh rumors picking up steam, what are the chances that he departs from Michigan and becomes head coach of the Indianapolis Colts?

General manager Chris Ballard is skating on thin ice, but Colts’ owner Jim Irsay dispelled the notion of firing Ballard earlier in the 2022 season. Irsay has since doubled and tripled down on this stance. Assuming he sticks to his word, what can Ballard do to save his job post-2023?

The first move of the offseason will see the Colts answer the questions surrounding the head coach position. Perhaps Jeff Saturday wins the job for 2023, but the expectations around the fan base are set much higher. Settling for someone with such a lack of experience, even if he is a great motivator, would set the franchise back even farther than they already are.

Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh is fresh off back-to-back Big Ten titles, and as I guessed earlier in the year, the Colts reportedly are interested in luring him away from the Wolverines. What would that take? I’m not the one to say for certain. But it is fair to assume quite a bit of money and maybe even roster control on top of that.

"One option that has been at the forefront of the discussion the past month is the Indianapolis Colts. Upon firing Frank Reich, the questions surrounding the future of the franchise began swirling. Jeff Saturday took over as the interim head coach, but few expect him to become the full-time leader in the locker room.Instead, Jim Irsay could look to a familiar face in Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts from 1994-1997, leading the franchise to an AFC Championship Game and earning Pro Bowl honors in 1995. Harbaugh lived his dream by serving as the Michigan head coach, maybe he wants to do the same with the Colts.-Hunter Haas, Nov. 26"

Would this result in the dismissal of Chris Ballard? It is fair to ask. The current Colts’ general manager is known for sticking to his vision, no matter what. How would the dynamic work if he is essentially demoted? Would he even want to stick around in that scenario? These questions will all be answered in a few short months.

If Jim Harbaugh elects to stay with Michigan or join a different NFL franchise, there are a few backup options that Irsay could look at. Special teams coach Bubba Ventrone is well respected, in the locker room and league-wide. He presents the best option currently on staff.

The list of outside names to consider includes Bills OC Ken Dorsey, Eagles OC Shane Steichen, Niners DC DeMeco Ryans, and Giants OC Mike Kafka. Sean Payton remains under contract with the New Orleans Saints and would require draft pick compensation for the Colts to acquire him. I do not foresee that.

The most likely outcome is Ken Dorsey or Mike Kafka signing on as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Dorsey, of course, has experience mentoring Cam Newton and Josh Allen. Kafka served as quarterback coach during Patrick Mahomes’ ascension up the league ranks. Both guys have what it takes to bring along a rookie signal-caller.

The flashiest outcome would undoubtedly be Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh brings star power, a winning pedigree in the NFL, and a no-nonsense demeanor that the Colts looked to be lacking during much of Frank Reich’s tenure. It would be a pricy endeavor, but Jim Irsay has never shied away from opening his checkbook to win.

Whether it is Jim Harbaugh, Jeff Saturday, or someone else as head coach, expect them to address the quarterback position immediately. Selecting your own quarterback of the future is easily the best selling point for anyone looking at the Colts’ job.

With such a high pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a quarterback class that features potential franchise-altering prospects, this is the route many expect the Colts to take. As stated, Kafka and Dorsey have developed star quarterbacks at the NFL level, making them the front runners behind Harbaugh. The entire trajectory of the franchise relies on making the right choice. Let’s hope they choose wisely.