It’s not surprising news the Indianapolis Colts have honed in on a top candidate for their head coaching job, but it means Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is out of the mix.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn stuck in the mix for both of the still-available head coaching jobs for a bit. Then as the Arizona Cardinals whittled down their search, it was just the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts seemed to have particular interest in Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. But he is of course not available to be formally hired until after Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Two reports from Sunday morning essentially confirm the Colts have Steichen as their No. 1 candidate.
Via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
As for the Colts, owner Jim Irsay has kept things close to the vest. But the belief is Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is considered a strong candidate in Indy, as well. Irsay has whittled the candidate list to a select few, with Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Packers special teams coach Rich Bisaccia and interim coach Jeff Saturday also among those still alive. Sources say Saturday’s candidacy is not as strong as it once was.
Aaron Glenn is all but surely coming back as Lions defensive coordinator
It’s worth noting the Colts had a plan to hire then-New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels five years ago, after Super Bowl LII. McDaniels left them at the altar, backing out and choosing to stay in New England on the day he was to be introduced.
So plans can certainly go awry. Steichen could say no to the job, or back out at the last minute. Neither of the reports Sunday morning say it’s definite he’s being hired, with Adam Schefter reporting the Colts have “targeted” Steichen and Ian Rapoport reporting Steichen is a “strong candidate.”
Here’s a comparison to remember. It’s easy to recall firm reports Kyle Shanahan was being hired as the San Francisco 49ers head coach, once he was done as Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator in Super Bowl LI. And it happened.
Other candidates, like Glenn, were informed the Colts are (per Schefter), “moving in a different direction” (Steichen). But until an introductory presser is done, there’s the small percentage chance a pivot will be necessary.
It alway seemed most likely, but there’s now a 99.9 percent chance Glenn will remain the Lions’ defensive coordinator in 2023.