The results from the divisional round of the playoffs could complicate the Colts' search for a defensive coordinator

The Indianapolis Colts are well into their search for a new defensive coordinator. They have completed interviews with all five confirmed candidates. Multiple candidates on their list are viewed as top defensive coordinator options throughout the NFL. So, the Colts have competition to land their service, and if they don't hurry, more could be on the way.  Multiple […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen reacts to a call during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts are well into their search for a new defensive coordinator. They have completed interviews with all five confirmed candidates. 

Multiple candidates on their list are viewed as top defensive coordinator options throughout the NFL. So, the Colts have competition to land their service, and if they don't hurry, more could be on the way. 

Multiple top head coaching candidates now free to accept jobs

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

During the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans saw their seasons come to an end. Between the Lions and the Ravens, three prominent head coaching candidates could very well land jobs this cycle. 

Up to this point, the Colts have had an advantage over multiple teams that will need to hire a new defensive coordinator. That advantage is that the Colts already have their head coach in place with Shane Steichen, so they do not have to go through that hiring process first. But now that Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, and Todd Monken are free to accept jobs, that advantage could quickly disappear. 

With Johnson and Monken both being offensive-minded coaches, the Colts also have to worry about any of their five candidates being on their short list of options for defensive coordinator. It would be a better situation, with Steichen and Chris Ballard believed to be entering a make-or-break year for 2025. If one of the five candidates stood out for the Colts, they would be wise to make an aggressive push to get a deal done early this week. The clock is ticking, though, so they had better hurry. 

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