NFL Rumors: Jeff Saturday 'Absolutely in Play' to Become Colts' Full-Time HC

Indianapolis Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday is "absolutely in play for the full-time head coaching job," according to Peter King of NBC Sports.

Saturday replaced Frank Reich in Week 10 and went 1-7 as the interim coach, with the team finishing 4-12-1 overall.

The former All-Pro center had no coaching experience at either the college or NFL level before leading the Colts this year.

Despite his struggles during the 2022 season, he has gotten support from team owner Jim Irsay, who called him "an outstanding candidate" for the full-time job.

Irsay initially indicated Saturday could get the permanent job when he was first hired in November:

Some Colts fans have shown their displeasure at the idea, and King argued it would rightfully "ignite a powder keg in the minority-coaching wars," but it's clear the 47-year-old is a legitimate option to remain the coach going into 2023.

Indianapolis has still cast a wide net for the coaching search, officially interviewing 13 different candidates including Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reported last week the team plans to narrow the search to seven or eight candidates with second interviews, including Saturday.