Jeff Saturday spoke to the media Monday for the final time as the interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
If Saturday does meet with the media again, it’s likely because he will be hired as the permanent head coach moving forward. However, those interviews haven’t even started as of Monday.
Saturday touched on several topics while reiterating how difficult of a situation it was for him to take over in the middle of the season. Like he really wanted us to know how difficult it was to win over the final eight games of the season because of the situation he inherited.
Saturday also said he does have interest in becoming the next head coach and that he would change a lot of things about the process the team currently goes through.
Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights from his end-of-season press conference Monday.
Starts presser with gratitude
Jeff Saturday calls these last eight games an "honor" to represent the #Colts. Shared his gratitude with the players in a team meeting today. Has high praise for the fans, especially those at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 9, 2023
'An incredible learning experience'
Jeff Saturday wrapping up his 8-game run: "It's been a true honor …"
Looking back, he calls it "an incredible learning experience. Learned a ton about myself, my leadership style, how you carry yourself in difficult times."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 9, 2023
'Significant change' if he gets the permanent job
Saturday says the last eight games have not changed his mind about wanting the full-time gig. "If I get this job, there's going to be significant change." #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 9, 2023
No interview scheduled
Saturday has not scheduled his interview with the Colts yet.
Also says based on what Irsay has said, he expects that he'd be working with Chris Ballard as GM if he gets the job.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 9, 2023
Would expect Chris Ballard to be the GM
No interview set up yet. . .. Would assume Chris Ballard would be GM if get the job. https://t.co/uMxSOuEjZQ
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 9, 2023
Felt limited without full offensive staff
Saturday, again, pointing out the 8-game audition with the restrictions of not having a full offensive staff.
Sounds like he doesn't feel he could implement his full vision.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 9, 2023
Already has potential staff hires in mind
Saturday already has potential staff hires in mind, he said. He's pretty serious about this.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 9, 2023
Odd comparison to Carolina's interim situation
Saturday believes the Colts situation was different, and harder, than the one Steve Wilks took over in Carolina, citing Panthers offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and offensive line coach James Campen's presence, versus the lack of offensive staff he had.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 9, 2023
