Colts Head Coach Odds Favor Jeff Saturday, Followed By Bieniemy & Ryans

• The Indianapolis Colts still employ interim head coach Jeff Saturday
• Saturday went 1-7 in his eight-game stint with Indianapolis
• Explore all the odds and our best bet for the Indianapolis Colts next head coach below

The Colts were expected to compete for an AFC South Division title in 2023. It never went according to plan as Frank Reich and the Colts stumbled to a 3-5-1 start. At that point, the plug was pulled and Jeff Saturday was named interim coach.

Saturday seemed to have this thing pegged pretty good after Indianapolis beat Las Vegas in his first game. Unfortunately, the Colts failed to win a single game after that.

Indianapolis, who at one point were in the upper tier of the Super Bowl odds fell quickly during the second half of the season.

Indianapolis collapsed several times in defeat, but that blown 33-0 lead will be talked about for generations. Despite that, Saturday carries potential to return.

Let’s take a look at who some of the contenders are for the Indianapolis Colts next head coach.

Colts Head Coach Odds

Odds as of Jan. 23 from DraftKings Sportsbook

The top three choices in the Colts next head coach dds are Saturday, followed by Eric Bienemy and DeMeco Ryans.

Saturday Still Favorite Despite Rough Sledding

Jeff Saturday (+250) came aboard as a different voice. Since Frank Reich started the 2018 season, the Colts enjoyed a couple of playoff appearances and one playoff win. However, Indianapolis laid an egg in Week 2 and those three straight losses to Tennessee, Washington, and New England sealed his fate. Saturday endured the same problems with Indianapolis and even worse results.

Although Saturday brought some unity to the Colts, it mattered little in the standings. Those seven straight losses included some blowouts.

#Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday "remains in the running" for the permanent head coaching job, according to @AlbertBreer pic.twitter.com/yMaiqco6JF

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 23, 2023

That Indianapolis losing streak to end the season even included losing to Lovie Smith and the Houston Texans. With the loss, the Colts took the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Saturday came in as inexperienced as they come. He never was a head coach at any level of football. However, there were a few bright spots in his tenure.

Thankfully, there are some pieces for Saturday to work with or for whoever takes over.

Repairing the Colts

With Jim Irsay, no one is sure what lies ahead next for the Indianapolis Colts. For anyone who thinks Saturday is completely out of the running, they would be wrong. Anything could happen when it comes to the head coach job for the 2023 NFL season.

Indianapolis possesses seven picks and all, including the 4th and 35th pick. That could help in the 2023 NFL Draft odds. There are several holes to fill on the offensive line, quarterback, and wide receiver.

Again, the Colts need improvement, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. They ranked 30th in points averaging a mere 17 points per contest. Their quarterbacks tossed a league-high 20 interceptions along with a rushing attack that could not find the end zone (30th in the NFL).

“Prominent” names on the Ravens OC search, per @JFowlerESPN

• Frank Reich
• Eric Bieniemy
• Byron Leftwich

— Ramey (@HoodieRamey) January 22, 2023

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy seemingly does not want another offensive coordinator job. The Colts need a mind like his to boost a team that turned the ball over a league-worst 32 times and a mere 1.39 points per average drive.

Best Bet for Indianapolis Colts Next Head Coach

While Bienemy makes too much sense to coach the Colts, nothing is guaranteed.

Thus far, Indianapolis interviewed 13 potential head coaching candidates including Lions OC Ben Johnson (36), Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (52), Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, Denver Broncos DC Ejiro Evero (42), and Eagles OC Shane Steichen (37). Even Mike Kafka and Wink Martindale (Giants OC and DC) met with the Colts among the notables.

It remains difficult to truly gauge this search because as Chris Ballard said before “Don’t start with an end in mind”. The Colts care not when a coach is named. They care about getting it right. Will the decision come quickly or not? This might take into February. Irsay’s relationship with Saturday is the big variable. Does he truly believe the legendary offensive lineman can guide this Colts team next year and beyond?

Second interviews are coming later this week and then there should be a decision. Irsay and Ballard will sit in presumably. Will Demeco Ryans go to Houston? Raheem Morris (+900) impressed and could be a longer shot. Even Brian Callahan (+1000) could contend here. This may surprise some, but do not sleep on Mike Kafka (+1500) or Bubba Ventrone.

Brian Callahan climbs past Morris, Ryans, and Steichen as our best bet. Callahan’s success in Cincinnati and connections help. Add in the rise of Joe Burrow and that may cement things.

Pick: Brian Callahan (+1000)