Stephen HolderESPN3 minute read
Why Shane Steichen is a good choice for the Colts
Steve Young and Robert Griffin III explain why Shane Steichen and the Colts would be a perfect match.
INDIANAPOLIS — Shane Steichen’s coaching staff is starting to come together.
The Indianapolis Colts’ new head coach is expected to appoint veteran NFL assistant Jim Bob Cooter as the team’s offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Monday.
Cooter, 38, was most recently the passing game coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Steichen and Cooter have a recent history together, as Cooter served as an offensive consultant for Steichen with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021.
A former college quarterback from Tennessee, Cooter brings critical quarterbacking expertise to the Colts, who are expected to typically draft a quarterback this offseason. Indianapolis has the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The team has made no official announcement regarding its personnel, but multiple sources have indicated that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and the majority of his staff will be retained under Steichen. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who was an initial candidate for the Colts head coaching job, is also expected to stay with the organization.
Cooter’s experience with innovative offenses and coaching will help him fit in well at Steichen. The last two seasons, Cooter was in Philadelphia (2021) and Jacksonville (2022). The Eagles got creative in leveraging the unique skills of quarterback Jalen Hurts, and in Jacksonville, Cooter worked alongside coach Doug Pederson, who made great use of concepts like the pre-move. snap to become one of the most respected offensive coaches. in the NFL.
Although Cooter will have the title of offensive coordinator in Indianapolis, Steichen has already established that he plans to call offensive plays on game days. Under this arrangement, it is likely that the offensive coordinator will play an important role in the game planning process. Cooter could also be tasked with leading offensive meetings.
Hiring Cooter takes him back to where his NFL coaching career began. He was a member of Jim Caldwell’s Colts staff from 2009 to 2011. He then returned to work for Caldwell with the Detroit Lions in 2014.
Among the quarterbacks Cooter has worked with: Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Hurts and Trevor Lawrence.