College coach leaves job to join Colts
A potential big boost for Shane Steichen.
Much of the focus concerning the Indianapolis Colts centers around the NFL Draft. That is especially true during NFL Combine week in Lucas Oil Stadium.
However, head coach Shane Steichen continues to find way to boost his first staff with the Colts. The latest bit of news could give Indianapolis a competitive edge on the football field.
That is because the Colts have dipped into the college ranks to potentially boost Steichen's first staff. A move that could pay off in a significant way.
Notre Dame special teams coach Brian Mason has been hired to run the special teams unit in Indy. It's a move that won't get a ton of headlines, but Mason is a terrific hire for Steichen.
The hire was reported by Bryan Driskell of Irish Daily. Per Driskell, the opportunity to coach for the Colts was too much to pass up. Even though Notre Dame was willing to match the pay.
Furthermore, Mason has earned the reputation of being one of the top special team coaches in college football. Prior to Notre Dame, he was at Cincinnati for four seasons. During his first season in South Bend, his coaching was evident, per Driskell:
Mason did a tremendous job for Notre Dame in 2022, winning the Special Teams Coach of the Year honors from FootballScoop. Notre Dame finished the year ranked 6th in special teams efficiency according to the Fremeau Efficiency Index. Notre Dame tied for the nation lead with seven blocked kicks last season, all of which were punts. That mark set a Notre Dame program record.
As the Colts continue their search for their next franchise quarterback, Steichen is looking for ways to upgrade the staff around him. Mason certainly qualifies.
Featured image via Robert Scheer/IndyStar
