Colts’ Hire of McDaniels on Hold As Patriots Advance to Super Bowl LII

With the New England Patriots defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars to advance to the Super Bowl, it means one thing for the Colts: two more weeks before they can hire Josh McDaniels as their head coach and begin filling out their coaching staff.

While the hire is more of a formality at this point, and much of McDaniel’s staff have will likely be in place at least nominally, there cannot be anything concrete done until after the Super Bowl. This is not an unheard-of situation, the 49ers had a nearly identical one last season with their hiring of then Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The Lions will be in the same boat to make their hire of Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as well.

The Colts are allowed to talk with McDaniels again during the break leading up to the Super Bowl. This may allow Ballard and McDaniels to iron out some of the details behind the scenes that will take effect at the conclusion of the Super Bowl. Chris Ballard is not a guy who does anything without a plan, and this opportunity will not be wasted. Whatever they can do behind the scenes to hit the ground running once the season is officially over will be done.

Colts fans are in a strange place with this playoff run, having to root for a solid offensive performance from the Patriots to help them feel good about their impending hire, while ultimately hoping they will fail to win another Super Bowl because let’s face it, they are insufferable enough as it is. All we can do is hope that McDaniels brings those winning ways to Indianapolis next season. Until then, the waiting game continues.