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The Colts coaching search — version 2.0 — may be coming to a close shortly as Schefter is now reporting that Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich has emerged as the favorite to replace Chuck Pagano.
Frank Reich has emerged as the favorite to become the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who are hoping to hire the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator once they have negotiated a signed, sealed and delivered contract, per @mortreport and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 11, 2018
As funny as the Josh McDaniels saga was (and still is) this may end up working out for the Colts as Reich was part of the three-headed offensive braintrust in Philadelphia that helped create one of the league’s most dominant offenses in 2017. Although, how much credit for that success is due to Reich versus head coach/playcaller Doug Pederson and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo is difficult to know.
Prior to arriving in Philadelphia ahead of the 2016 season, Reich worked as the offensive coordinator in San Diego under Mike McCoy in 2014 and 2015. He is also familiar with the Colts having worked there as an assistant coach from 2008-2011.
The good news for Titans fans is that Reich won’t be bringing DeFilippo with him as his offensive coordinator in Indy if he does take the job.
.@Vikings hiring Eagles QB coach John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator: https://t.co/WQFo9xEmog (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/iaU388H9kh
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2018
As a player Reich is best known for bringing the Bills back from a 35-3 deficit to beat the Oilers 41-38 in the 1992-93 NFL Playoffs. He played quarterback for 14 years in the NFL, primarily as Jim Kelly’s backup in Buffalo. If he becomes the new Colts head coach it would give the Titans a chance to avenge that Oilers loss twice a year.
Ultimately, Reich is a fairly unknown candidate. He has only called plays for two years in San Diego, ending with his dismissal following a disappointing 4-12 season in 2015. If hired, he would inherit Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Its not clear whether Reich would want to call plays on offense himself.
The other two candidates considered to be in the mix for the Colts are Saints tight ends coach Dan Campbell and Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Whoever the Colts finally decide to hire will start filling out the rest of their staff as other teams are completing theirs, putting them in a tough spot to lure top coaching talent.