In fact, Saturday’s only coaching experience came as the head coach of Hebron Christian Academy, a college prep school in Georgia, from 2017–2020.
“I’m glad he doesn’t have NFL experience,” said Irsay, whose thoughts aren’t exactly shared by everyone in the NFL world.
Former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas didn’t hold back when discussing the hiring. He had strong words for a move he sees as insulting to the league.
“When you hire your drinking buddy to be the head coach of an NFL football team, it’s one of the most disrespectful things I’ve ever seen in my entire life about the commitment, lifestyle and experience it takes to be an NFL player. coach. Any coach. Much less the coach of the Indianapolis Football Colts,” Thomas said Friday on “Good Morning Football.”
The 10-time Pro Bowler not only blames ownership, but also questions why Saturday even said yes to the position.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, that this is something that Jim Irsay and Jeff Saturday — who’s not perfect at accepting the job — could have talked about and decided that this was the best thing for Indianapolis. Colts at this juncture. the season,” Thomas continued.
Thomas also mentioned how he thinks it looks to other NFL coaches, saying it takes more commitment and time than jumping into the role so quickly.
“This is not just something you can show up for. … So the disrespect NFL coaches must feel when they saw this hire made is greater than almost anything I can remember in the NFL,” Thomas said. “And then to defend the decision by saying, ‘I’m glad he’s inexperienced?’
Irsay and Saturday both defended the move, with the owner saying his lack of NFL experience means he comes with less baggage in tough in-game situations.
“I’m glad he didn’t learn the fear that’s in this league because it’s hard for all of our coaches,” Irsay said. “They’re afraid. They go to analytics and it becomes difficult. I mean, he doesn’t have all that. He doesn’t have that fear and there was no other candidate.”
Saturday doesn’t promise he’ll be good at work, but he says he’s not backing down from the challenge. He says his locker room and playoff experience combined with his time in the NFL at a high level of play make him a good candidate for the job.
Saturday was with the Colts from 1999-2011, winning one Super Bowl during that span. He finished his career in Green Bay, playing his final season for the Packers. His playing resume includes a two-time First-Team All-Pro, six Pro Bowl selections and a spot in the Colts’ Ring of Honor.
Being a great player certainly doesn’t mean he’ll be a great coach, and he comes to take over a team with a losing record (3-5-1) and inconsistent quarterback play led by sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger. . There will certainly be a lot on his plate Saturday as a head coach.
