:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58599469/usa_today_10452176.0.jpg)
Adding to the incredible turn of events is that the assistant coaches who have been previously announced are under contract and will be remaining in Indianapolis. Included on that list are Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus, Offensive Line Coach Dave DeGuglielmo, and Defensive Line Coach Mike Phair.
The Colts' assistants you've seen reported (e.g. Matt Eberflus as DC) have signed contracts and have been in the team's building, sources say. Indications are they'll still be with the team, albeit under a different HC than McDaniels.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 7, 2018
It is hard to imagine what these men must think of Josh McDaniels if they came to the Colts to join his new staff. It may be even harder to imagine how awkward it will be when a new head coach officially joins the team and is introduced to assistants he played no role in bringing into the fold. The impact Josh McDaniels’ actions have on the city of Indianapolis, Colts franchise, numerous coaches who are already in Indy, and their families should not be understated.
A lot of people are getting screwed over here. That's just the reality of it. And McDaniels is gonna have to live with that. https://t.co/Yn56JNpM7f
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 7, 2018
I feel bad for the coaches that left their positions to be on the Colts staff working for McDaniels and now they don’t know who their head coach will be. That’s horrible
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) February 7, 2018
Former Cowboys’ asst HC/LB coach Matt Eberflus already has signed to become Colts’ defensive coordinator and former Illinois D-line coach Mike Phair has signed to become Indy’s D-line coach - and both will stay with Colts, whoever the HC is, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2018
Not only that, but Josh McDaniels was calling assistants earlier today and offering them jobs. No more. https://t.co/13RCMZQMJP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2018
One would have to assume that at least some semblance of defensive identity has already started moving into their new offices on West 56th Street. Where the offense goes from here and who Chris Ballard has on speed dial in the event something like this would happen is not yet known. Colts fans will have to hope that contingencies for this were already in place and that Ballard’s binder included a “what if my choice for head coach has a total lack of integrity” backup plan.
UPDATE:
Spoke with several members of what was supposed to be McDaniels’ Indy coaching staff. They have not heard from Josh McDaniels regarding the change of heart. Just as blindsided as the rest of us. #Colts
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 7, 2018