Colts’ Search for a Head Coach Will Include a Third Round of Interviews

On Thursday, we learned that Kyler Murray might be slowing the Cardinals’ search for a new head coach. But what about the Colts?

Indianapolis will interview Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen on Saturday, per Adam Schefter. That will be Steichen’s second interview with the Colts.

Steichen is one of the hottest candidates in the pool of talented young offensive coordinators. Mainly because his fingerprints are all over the development of Jalen Hurts. Steichen took over the Eagles’ play-calling duties in November 2021. Since then, he has masterfully married Hurts running abilities with his improved presence as a passer.

With the Colts planning on drafting a quarterback in April’s NFL Draft, Indianapolis could bet on Steichen’s ability to replicate that success with their quarterback of the future.

Still, the Colts are reportedly heading toward a third round of interviews after they travel to Philadelphia to meet with Steichen on Saturday.

The #Colts are nearly done with their second round of head coaching interviews and are considering a rare Round 3 as well, sources tell me and @RapSheet. If they go that route, they’d pare down the list to a select few finalists before making their decision on their next HC.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 2, 2023

So, a pared-down list of candidates would likely include Steichen, who can’t be hired until the Monday after the Super Bowl at the earliest.

It will also likely include Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy. But, like Steichen, Bienemy can’t be hired until after the Super Bowl. The Chiefs’ offensive coordinator has been a hot name in the last couple of coaching cycles but hasn’t landed a job.

ESPN insider Josina Anderson said on Thursday that Bienemy is still a candidate:

No. https://t.co/GaDuxIp0Sn

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 2, 2023

Bienemy had similar success with Patrick Mahomes, although Mahomes has been playing at an elite level almost since he entered the league.

The Colts also interviewed Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for a second time on Thursday.

One would imagine interim head coach Jeff Saturday would also be on the short-list for a third interview for the Colts vacancy. We know that Saturday is beloved by owner Jim Irsay but not so much by others in the organization.

Also on the Colts list of remaining candidates:

• Ejiro Evero (Broncos DC)
• Raheem Morris (Rams DC)
• Wink Martindale (Giants DC)
• Rich Bisaccia (Packers STC)
• Brian Callahan (Bengals OC)

Given that Steichen and Bienemy are still alive in the process and playing in the Super Bowl next week, this search could drag into the second or third week of February.

Buckle up, Colts fans. It’s going to be a while.