Inside the numbers of Colts' massive search for a head coach

Some of the numbers inside the Colts' search are staggering. 

Fans in Indianapolis are hoping that Shane Steichen's immensely successful 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles will translate into more wins in 2023, and if recent NFL history is any indication, going with an offensive coordinator as the new leader was a good move by Colts' brass.

While Indianapolis' season ended only five weeks ago, the search essentially began over three months ago when Frank Reich was fired and the team stunningly chose Jeff Saturday to take over as the interim head coach. 

After winning his coaching debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, Saturday and the Colts dropped their final seven games to finish the campaign 4-12-1.

The brutal ending prompted thousands of fans to sign an online petition, pleading for owner Jim Irsay not to hire Saturday as the lead man. 

While it was reported numerous times that Irsay favored the former All-Pro center to stay on as the permanent head coach, it seemed like the petition (as well as other voices in the organization) finally got through to Irsay, and it was reported last week that Saturday's chances of securing the full-time gig were dwindling.

The decision to bring in Steichen continues a bizarre circle of hirings between the Colts and Eagles organizations.

With 2021 All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. already on the roster, Steichen has some intriguing pieces to work with in his first season. One of the biggest question marks remains under center though, where starting quarterback Matt Ryan will turn 38 in May and is coming off of a brutal first season in Indianapolis.

The new coach is scheduled to address the media on Tuesday afternoon and is surely going to be asked about what the team's plans are for the position.