Jeff Saturday a serious candidate for Co

Jeff Saturday went just 1-7 during his stint as the Colts' interim head coach, including a seven-game losing streak to close the season.However, it doesn't appear Indianapolis' struggles under his watch will prevent him from getting consideration for the job.NFL Network's Tom Peli sero reports that Saturday Justin Fields Jersey is expected to "remain a serious candidate" for the Colts' head coaching position. Why? Because he has owner Jim Irsay in his corner.The plan to cast a wide net and will take their time in the search for their next head coach. But Jeff Saturday -- even with a 1-7 record as interim coach -- is someone Jim Irsay likes a lot and thus remains a serious candidate for the job. Tom Peli sero (@TomPeli sero) It's not a surprise that Irsay is a fan of Saturday. The former Colts center spent 13 years with the team before spending his final season with the Packers. And after his retirement, he served as a consultant for the Colts while working at ESPN.POWER RANKINGS: But should Saturday legitimately be a candidate for the job? The Colts struggled under his watch and lost seven consecutive games to close the season. That was their longest season-closing losing streak since their inaugural season in 1953, per .Too, the Colts had the most turnovers in the league at 34, allowed 60 William Perry Jersey sacks (good for the second-most in the league) and cycled through three different quarterback options with little to no succe s.Certainly, Frank Reich was responsible for some of the team's i sues. But Saturday did little to improve it and led the Colts to some embarra sing defeats. That included one in which the Colts allowed 33 fourth-quarter points to the Cowboys, one where they blew a 33-point lead against the Vikings and, of course, the Week 18 lo s to the Texans, who were fighting for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.Still, Saturday seems optimistic that he can get the most out of this Colts team as heexplained at a Monday news conference."I don't think we're nearly as far off as you guys think," Saturday said, per .MORE: The Colts have already taken one chance on Saturday because of his lacking experience. Would they take another one that requires a ma sive leap of faith?As details, it wouldn't be out Caleb Johnson Jersey of Irsay's character to do it. He likes Saturday and Saturday can talk the talk needed to sell Irsay on a vision for the Colts.In fact, Doyle compared it to another coaching situation that Irsay dealt with when Chuck Pagano was with the team.Id like to remind you what happened six years ago, Mike Singletary Jersey when Irsay showed up for work on Jan. 4, 2016, the day after the season, determined to fire coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson. He summoned them to his office, and by the time Pagano himself a great talker was finished, Jim was keeping the whole group together.Irsay has a big heart and wants to believe so badly, and in Jeff Saturday hes met his match. Both of these guys, theyre a deeper shade of Colts blue.So, with that in mind, it does seem like the Colts might have a legitimate interest in keeping Saturday around. It may just depend on which other candidates are available for the job.MORE:The Colts have been connected to Jim Harbaugh frequently; if he doesn't want the opening, .And he may have the inside track to earn it even as Indianapolis explores its options.On Monday, the proce s towards finding a permanent head coach began with the Colts requesting permi sion to interview members of the Eagles, Lions and Rams coaching staffs.Colts submitted requests to the Lions to interview defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their head coaching job, per source. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) requested an interview with DC Raheem Morris, source says. Morris already has a request from the . Another look for him in Indy. Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) The have also requested permi sion to speak with OC Shane Steichen, Chicago Bears Sleepwear Underwear source said. His second. He joins Raheem Morris, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, though there will be others. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) Is Irsay serious about exploring options outside of Saturday? Or will requests to speak with other teams' personnel turn out to be smoke and mirrors?