Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Peyton Manning reveals reaction to Colts hiring Jeff Saturday as interim HC

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/21/22

Peyton Manning is among those who didn't expect Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay to replace head coach Frank Reich with Jeff Saturday.

While speaking with Chris Bumbaca of USA Today, Manning admitted he was surprised that Saturday was named Reich's temporary replacement on Nov. 7.

"I didn’t have any insider information there," Manning said about Irsay's decision to go with Saturday as interim head coach. "Obviously, Jim and Jeff had been in conversation throughout the year. I’m happy for Jeff. I’m pulling hard for him. And look, the Colts will always be an important part of my life."

Manning and Saturday were Indianapolis teammates throughout the latter's 13-season Colts tenure. Last week, former Colts head coach Tony Dungy credited Saturday with helping Manning successfully change plays at the line of scrimmage during their careers.

Saturday guided Indianapolis to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders in his debut performance on Nov. 13. A last-minute touchdown run by quarterback Jalen Hurts propelled the Philadelphia Eagles to a 17-16 win in Indianapolis on Sunday.

HURTSSS SZNNNNN#PHIvsIND | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/rYQ250PIx2
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 20, 2022

"I’m proud of Jeff, I’m proud of the team for stepping up, playing well after a tough week, right? Frank Reich is a friend of mine, was one of my former coaches," Manning added about Saturday's first week on the job. "Never like to see a coach have to go through that. I thought the team responded well. Hopefully, the team can get on a roll."

As Tyler Greenawalt pointed out for Yahoo Sports, Manning suggested back in September he won't coach or serving as a general manager for a club anytime soon. The Hall of Famer busy with his "Monday Night Football" "ManningCast" broadcasts and other projects said last week he also is "not qualified" to become a future NFL commissioner.

While nothing's for sure, it doesn't seem like Manning and Saturday will become colleagues with the Colts assuming Saturday earns the full-time gig as many expect he will. For now, Saturday is preparing his 4-6-1 team to host the 3-7 Pittsburgh Steelers next Monday night.

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