The Indianapolis Colts are still in the midst of their head coaching search following the firing of Chuck Pagano. But according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks doesn’t appear to be high on their list of candidates as the Colts appear to be focusing their search toward more offensive-minded coaches.
That focus on offense first and foremost could be to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ advantage as he might ultimately emerge as the Colts’ leading candidate.
Assuming #Colts keep this focus, #Patriots OC Josh McDaniels is in a very, very good spot. https://t.co/RErGq3w7Ok
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2018
The Colts have already interviewed Baylor head coach Matt Rhule, although he has since taken himself out of the running for the job. They also had their eye on former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, but he has already joined the Chicago Bears.
McDaniels, who is in his second stint with the Patriots, has been the team’s offensive coordinator since 2012. But he’s been eager to get another head coaching gig after his first go as head coach of the Denver Broncos lasted just two seasons. He’s already interviewed with the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and the Colts over the past few weeks.
However, the Colts' head coaching gig also has some significant risks for McDaniels with so many question marks around the team, including quarterback with the health of superstar Andrew Luck. Luck missed the entire season due to a shoulder injury and the Colts predictably had one of the worst offenses in the league without him.
But with few other obvious offense-first head coaching candidates available on the market, the Indy job might be McDaniels’ to lose if the Colts don’t adjust their priorities.