Jim Irsay commented on the Indianapolis Colts’ difficult 2022 campaign and offered light on the team’s midseason coaching switch.
After a 26-3 loss to the New England Patriots and a 3-5-1 start to the season, the Colts fired head coach Frank Reich in November. Reich led the Colts to a 40-33-1 record in four seasons as head coach and just extended his contract through the 2026 season.
However, Irsay was unsure about the extension and stated that he offered it “reluctantly” and sooner than he desired. Irsay sacked Reich despite the fact that he would owe him $36 million over the next four years for not coaching the Colts.
Reich was replaced by former Colts center Jeff Saturday, who quit his job as an ESPN analyst to accept the position.
As a result of the manner in which it occurred, the action was viewed as surprising and unconventional.
Irsay stated on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” before Chargers-Colts, “The process was extremely, really odd.” “Jeff needed to be sure. ‘Did you chat to Karen, your wife. Are you sure you’re all in?’”
Irsay responded, “absolutely not that week” when asked if Reich would have been sacked if Saturday’s vote had been negative.
Irsay continues to stand by the decision he took and feels Saturday could be the long-term solution for the Colts’ head coach position, regardless of whether the decision was correct or incorrect.
Irsay stated, “I believe Jeff is a fantastic candidate.” Clearly, he is competitive for it.
After the Colts’ horrific performance against the Vikings, where they blew a 33-point lead and Minnesota made the greatest comeback in NFL history, Saturday may have lost some of its luster. Irsay was beyond shocked by the outcome.
Irsay stated, “It’s virtually impossible what happened.” “It was astonishing how well they played compared to how poorly we performed. We permitted them to take our lunch money.”
Until the offseason begins, the Colts will continue to experience a great deal of organizational turbulence. The squad will likely have to review quarterback choices once more and determine whether Saturday is a viable long-term option.
Irsay stated, “This trip continues, and I am all in for it.”
»Without Jeff, the Colts would not have fired Frank Reich at that time. Saturday is a given«