Tier ranking the confirmed candidates to become the Indianapolis Colts next defensive coordinator
The Indianapolis Colts have had a busy week of interviews as they search for their next defensive coordinator. The Colts have five confirmed candidates who have either already been interviewed or will do so by the end of the week. The team could elect to add more candidates to their list, but this could very well […]
The Indianapolis Colts have had a busy week of interviews as they search for their next defensive coordinator.
The Colts have five confirmed candidates who have either already been interviewed or will do so by the end of the week. The team could elect to add more candidates to their list, but this could very well end up being their finalized list.
After researching all five candidates, I decided to share my tier rankings based on how strong of a hire each would be if they land the job.
Tier 1: Home Run Hire
- Dennis Allen, Former New Orleans Saints head coach
My number one candidate going into the search was Dennis Allen, and now that he is officially a candidate, he is tier all by himself. This hire would keep the Colts in a 4-3 defense but would change the philosophy surrounding the defense at all three levels. The defense would no longer live by the bend but don't break model. They would move towards a defense that attacks opposing offenses and makes them work for every yard they get. That type of defense, paired with a well-respected defensive mind with a proven track record as a coordinator, sounds like a perfect fit. It would also be a bonus that his two tenures as a head coach have gone poor enough that the Colts probably wouldn't have to worry about him getting poached anytime soon.
Tier 2: Strong Hire
- Lou Anarumo, Former Cincinnati Bengals DC
- Wink Martindale, Michigan DC
Tier two has two great candidates: former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and current University of Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Though their expertise is different, both would be excellent hires for the Colts. They would also likely suggest some changes to the team's defensive personnel.
Anarumo was fired by the Bengals after a rough season on that side of the ball. However, many around the league blame the team's defensive roster, not Anarumo's coaching. His background is as a secondary coach, and his diverse coverage systems would be a sight for sore eyes in Indianapolis. His ability in that area has earned him the nickname "The Mad Scientist."
While Martindale's work as a blitz technician doesn't have such a nickname, it is that of a madman. He led the Baltimore Ravens for years to one of the most feared defensive fronts in the NFL. He brought that same fear to the college game this past year, with him leading a strong Michigan defense. Martindale would bring an aggressive pass-rush mentality that the Colts haven't had for quite some time.
Tier 3: Good But Safe Hire
- Steve Wilks, Former San Francisco 49ers DC
Tier three is for former 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Though this hire would spark some change, among the five candidates the Colts are currently considering, Wilks' scheme would require the least change to their current philosophies. It would also call for less significant personnel changes to make the system work. This is why I would view this hire as the safest option currently in front of the team to make. Don't take that as me saying it wouldn't be a solid hire, though; Wilks is incredibly respected around the NFL and praised for his leadership ability. After a year of the locker room and the coaching staff's leadership being questioned, adding Wilks could bring a needed boost to the team's culture.
Tier 4: Risky But Intriguing Hire
- Ephraim Banda, Cleveland Browns safeties coach
Last but not least is current Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda. Banda comes from the Manny Diaz defensive system, which calls for confusion and chaos across the defensive line. It's a high-risk, high-reward philosophy that can either make big plays in the backfield or give up big plays in both the passing and run games. Banda seems to be a future NFL defensive coordinator, but his only current coordinator experience comes at the college level with Utah State and Miami. So, it's safe to ask if the Colts are in the position right now to go with a first-time pro coordinator. With Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard's jobs likely on the line this season if they end up hiring Banda, I will have a hard time believing it was their option A, B, or C.
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