After the disappointing season for the Indianapolis Colts, changes were expected to come.
Jim Irsay confirmed Sunday night that he would retain Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen for the 2025 season, leaving one glaring name that would be the scapegoat.
That name is defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who the Colts announced on Monday night that they are parting ways with. It should be noted that Bradley wasn’t fired, he just wasn’t retained. Per James Boyd of The Athletic, his contract expired at the end of the 2024 season.
This was an expected move by most and perhaps DeForest Buckner gave some foreshadowing that this move was coming while meeting with the media Monday that this was the worst defense he’s played in since joining Indianapolis.
He also mentioned some players’ egos got in the way.
“Ego. There’s time where ego gets in the way. And I feel like, especially in our business, playing in the NFL at a high level and as a team, everybody needs to check their ego” Buckner said.
Along with Buckner, whoever the new defensive coordinator is, he has to make sure that his players not only buy into his scheme but most importantly, they aren’t looking out for themselves when they are on the field.
If there is a change of scheme with the incoming defensive coordinator, we could see a teardown of the unit and have some fresh faces for the 2025 season.
This is something that should be in high consideration for Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen during their search to fill this role.
Here are 10 names to watch to be the Colts’ new defensive coordinator:
Colts defensive coordinator candidates
Robert Saleh, former New York Jets head coach
The former Jets head coach was previously the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers between 2017-2021. Saleh helped the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV before taking the job in New York.
Matt Eberflus, former Chicago Bears head coach
After flaming out as the head coach of the Bears, could a familiar face make his return to the Colts? Sometimes coaches are better coordinators than being the CEO of a team. That could be the case for Eberflus. Chicago’s defense played well under him and fell apart after his firing.
Dennis Allen, former New Orleans Saints head coach
Allen is another case of a coach that might be better suited in a coordinator role. Allen had a good run as the defensive coordinator for the Saints before taking over as the head coach after Sean Payton’s departure.
Jerod Mayo, former New England Patriots head coach
It was only one season as the leader of the Patriots for Mayo. Robert Kraft took the blame for putting him in that situation and said he wasn’t ready to be the head coach. Could we see a player from an old rival of the Colts be the leader of their defense?
Lou Anarumo, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator
Bradley wasn’t the only defensive coordinator who was a scapegoat for a team that missed the playoffs. The Bengals fired Anarumo on Monday after six seasons as their leader of the defense. Just a year ago he was interviewing for head coach opportunities and the expectation is he will land on his feet per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.
Wink Martindale, Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator
If the Colts want a completely switch up their defensive scheme with a more aggressive approach then they can try to lure Martindale from the college ranks. He’s a respected defensive coordinator who just couldn’t make it work with Brian Daboll and the New York Giants.
Jim Leonhard, Denver Broncos defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator
This is a name that might not be recognizable to most Colts fans. Leonhard was the Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator between 2016-2022. After not getting the head coach job for Wisconsin, he spent a season with the Illinois Fighting Illini as a senior football analyst before joining the Broncos in 2024.
Chris Ballard could have an interest since both are Wisconsin grads but Denver could promote Leonhard if their current defensive coordinator Vance Joseph lands a head coach job.
Aubrey Pleasant, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and passing game coordinator
Another former Wisconsin grad that Ballard could have his eyes on is Pleasant. He was a part of Sean McVay’s original staff and rejoined the Rams in 2023 as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator before his promotion to an assistant coach role. He could be looking to take the next step as a coordinator to propel himself into head coaching opportunities.
Chris Harris, Tennessee Titans defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach
This is a name that can pop up in the interview list because of Harris’ connections to Ballard and Steichen. The Titans secondary was having a solid season prior to injuries and was a bright spot in a bad season for their franchise.
John Pagano, Washington Commanders senior defensive assistant
The brother of former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano could be a name to watch for per Ben Allbright of KOA Colorado. He’s held a variety of defensive roles in the NFL since 1996, including as a defensive assistant for Indianapolis between 1998-2001. Pagano was the defensive coordinator for the then-known San Diego Chargers between 2012-2016.
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