Report: Colts Request to Interview Jaguars Jim Bob Cooter for OC

As Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen fills out his staff, could Jim Bob Cooter return to Indy?

The Indianapolis Colts made their first big decision of the offseason this week by hiring former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as their next head coach.

The Colts introduced Steichen to the fan base on Tuesday as the 37-year-old head coach sold his vision for the team. To implement that vision, Steichen now sets his sights on building a coaching staff that will help him accomplish what he wants to do. He is wasting no time in beginning that process.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Colts are requesting to interview Jacksonville Jaguars passing game coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for their vacant offensive coordinator position.

The #Colts are requesting #Jaguars passing game coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for their OC job under Shane Steichen, source said. He’s had several requests.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2023

Cooter has been the passing game coordinator for the Jaguars for just one season. The Jaguars ranked tenth in total yards (357.4/gm), passing yards (232.9/gm), and scoring (23.8 pts/gm) in 2022. Before that, Cooter was a coaching consultant for the Eagles in 2021, where he crossed paths with Steichen.

Altogether, Cooter has 13 years of NFL coaching experience. He got his start in coaching right here in Indianapolis as an offensive assistant. Cooter served in that role with the Colts from 2009-2011 under then-head coach Jim Caldwell.

When Caldwell was fired following the 2011 season, Cooter bounced around the league as he spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Detroit Lions. Cooter found success with the Lions as he was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in 2016.

Cooter helped coach quarterback Matthew Stafford to some of his best years as offensive coordinator of the Lions. During the three years Cooter was OC, Stafford ranked in the top ten in the NFL in completion percentage (64.9%), passing yards (21,069), and passing touchdowns (128). The Lions made it to the playoffs twice in three years with Cooter in charge of the offense.

Because the Jaguars are in the same division as the Colts, there were questions about whether or not the Jaguars would block the interview request. Due to NFL rules, a club cannot block a coach from interviewing with another team if the position they are interviewing for is a promotion. This rule allows the Colts to interview Cooter if he so chooses.

Cooter will not be the only candidate the Colts and Steichen interview for their offensive coordinator position. Although the Colts were one of the final teams to name a new head coach, it is expected that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, and other coaches on these units will be retained. This makes hiring a staff much easier for the Colts when two out of the three units already have their coaches in place.

However, look for the Colts to work quickly as they assemble a full coaching staff under Steichen. There is much work to be done on West 56th Street.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

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