Matt Patricia could help usher in an era of defense for the Indianapolis Colts, something that has been missing in past years
The Chuck Pagano era in Indianapolis has come to an end. The Indianapolis Colts fired Pagano on Sunday after six seasons at the helm, per multiple media reports. Pagano went 53-43 during his time with the Colts, and had great success at the beginning of his tenure. In his first three seasons as head coach, he reached the playoffs. He reached the AFC Championship game in 2014, and went undefeated in AFC South play in both 2013 and 2014.
One of the major keys to Pagano’s success was a healthy Andrew Luck. Luck suffered a shoulder injury and a lacerated kidney in the 2015 campaign and after that, Luck had trouble staying healthy throughout the rest of Pagano’s tenure. In hindsight, Luck was the glue that held the successful Colts teams’ together.
With the Colts’ head coaching position now vacant, who could be next in line to take the position? One name that would make the most sense would be New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Patricia has been with the Patriots for the past nine seasons, beginning in 2004. That year he was their offensive assistant. He then received a promotion to assistant offensive line coach in 2005. He then took on the roles of linebackers coach and safeties coach before assuming the role of defensive coordinator in 2012.
The Colts struggled defensively throughout Pagano’s tenure, finishing 20th or worse in five of Pagano’s six seasons as head coach. Since his move to the defensive side of the football in 2006, the Patriots have finished in the top-10 in fewest points allowed in 10 out of 11 seasons. In addition, his defenses have been known for their aggressiveness. In 2012, the Patriots led the league in turnover differential (+25) and 2010 (+28).
The Colts ranked at the bottom of the league defensively in 2017 ranking No. 28 in the entire league. They gave up 347 total points and 23.1 points per game (tied with Cleveland.) Additionally, they were ranked No. 31 in the league with 23 sacks. New England ranked No. 6 in the NFL with 269 points allowed (tied with Chicago.)
After what was a rough beginning to the season, the Patriots finished the campaign No. 26 in the league with 17.9 points allowed (tied with Philadelphia and Chicago.) New England also managed to get a fair amount of pressure on the quarterback posting 38 sacks, tied for No. 12 in the league with Seattle.
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Patricia has been gaining interest from several other teams around the league, but the Colts would be the best fit. He brings an aggressiveness and tactical approach that can revamp a beleaguered Indianapolis defense. They have the weapons on offense, now they just need to figure out how to put it all together and Patricia would be the right man for the job.