The Indianapolis Colts have fired coach Frank Reich after another lackluster offensive performance in the team’s third consecutive loss. ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday, who played for the Colts for 13 seasons, has been named interim head coach.
The Colts announced the move on Monday, one day after the team went 0 for 14 on third down and totaled just 121 yards of offense in an ugly 26-3 loss at New England. Indy (3-5-1) have the league’s lowest scoring offense.
This is the third major move in three weeks for Indy. Two weeks ago, Reich announced the benching of longtime NFL veteran Matt Ryan, the league’s 2016 MVP. Last week, he fired offensive coordinator Marcus Brady even though Reich was the one calling plays.
Carson Wentz, who had prospered under Reich in Philly, was brought in last season but struggled badly. Ryan fared little better and was benched for Sam Ehlinger last month.
But the Colts’ offense has been a disaster this season, currently ranking 27th in total yards per game.
Ryan committed 12 turnovers, including nine interceptions, in seven games before being benched in Week 8. Taylor, meanwhile, has been banged up and ranks 21st with 462 yards and one touchdown. Neither was helped by an offensive line that’s the highest paid in the league yet has struggled all season.
Shout-out to Frank Reich and his ability to admit mistakes when he calls the plays and fires his OC.
This should’ve been a red flag for every GM/owner to hire him.