UPDATED: 11:11 a.m. ET on 1/15/2018
The Colts coaching rumors are over - head coach Chuck Pagano was fired shortly after the regular season ended. In fact, the search for Pagano's replacement is nearing an end.
Owner Jim Irsay had flirted with firing Pagano in the past, but he finally pulled the trigger this year. General manager Chris Ballard will get to make his first hire and the Colts' job is one of the more attractive ones out there. So now that the Colts have fired Pagano as head coach, here are the top five replacements. Keep in mind that the Colts appear to have narrowed their search to only two candidates.
5. Frank Reich, Eagles offensive coordinator
Reich is one of the hottest names in the NFL right now given the success of the Eagles this season. Carson Wentz, in his second year, has emerged as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. The Eagles unorthodox offense is a major reason why they have had success this season and the Colts will be looking for a fresh start.
4. Pat Shurmur, Vikings offensive coordinator
The Vikings are one of the surprise teams this season with a 12-3 record and on the verge of securing a bye in the playoffs. The offense lost Teddy Bridgewater last season due to a horrific leg injury and Sam Bradford this season, but the coaching of Shurmur has reignited Case Keenum's career. Not many offensive coordinators would be able to lose two quarterbacks and still be successful, but Shurmur has made it work. Shurmur was the head coach of the Browns from 2011 to 2012 where things did not go well, but he has rehabbed his image in stints with Philadelphia and Minnesota.
3. Dave Toub, Chiefs special teams coordinator
Toub is one of the greatest special teams coaches in the history of the NFL. He has turned the Chiefs special teams into one of the most feared units, as he has at all of his previous stops. He is respected throughout the NFL and has a great relationship with the players and front office. At 55 years old, Toub is older than many first-time head coaches but will draw interest after having interviews last season. Chris Ballard came over from the Chiefs and worked with Toub for over a decade in Chicago and Kansas City. That pairing makes Toub a top candidate for the Colts job.
2. Mike Vrabel, Texans defensive coordinator
It appears that the Colts have narrowed their coaching search to just two men, with Mike Vrabel the second option. Vrabel has drawn buzz as a potential head coach, but the Texans' defense was awful this year. Sure, injuries played a role, but Vrabel might be more hype than substance right now. That could (and probably will) change, but it might be a year too early for Vrabel to be a strong hire. If the Colts miss out on Josh McDaniels, which seems unlikely, Vrabel could be the man.
1. Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator
McDaniels has rebuilt his reputation while leading the Patriots’ offense for the past five seasons after a less-than-successful head coaching debut in Denver. Its been rumored for several years that McDaniels has a strong desire to be an NFL head coach again should the right role open up. With Andrew Luck (hopefully healthy) in Indy, this might be the best role for McDaniels. A McDaniels and Ballard tandem would be a dynamic one.
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