Indianapolis Colts bring in Reich as new head coach
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts' second choice for head coach could turn out to be even better than the first.
And Frank Reich has the Super Bowl championship gear to prove it.
Five days after New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels reneged on a deal to take the Colts' job, Ballard hired Reich, the man who outwitted McDaniels last week and helped lead the Philadelphia Eagles to their first NFL title since 1960.
"Frank is a leader of men who will demand excellence from our players on and off the field," Ballard said in a statement released Sunday. "I look forward to working with Frank to deliver a championship-caliber team to the city of Indianapolis."
Terms of the deal were not immediately available, but Reich is expected to be introduced at a news conference Tuesday.
Colts officials posted a photo of Reich signing the deal on the team's website.
The move ends a search that spanned 41 days, included two coaching announcements and the embarrassment of McDaniels changing his mind Tuesday night just eight hours after telling the Colts he'd take the job.
On Wednesday, Ballard answered questions for nearly 20 minutes before finishing with "the rivalry is back on."
By hiring Reich, another touted offensive coordinator and a potential leading candidate next season, only added another chapter to the long and bitter series.
Exactly one week after backup quarterback Nick Foles executed an exquisite game plan to beat Tom Brady and the favored Patriots, the Colts brought back a longtime assistant who spent two seasons working with Peyton Manning.
But this wasn't just about sending a message. "Frank has all the ingredients of a successful head coach: intelligence, innovation, character, organizational and leadership skills, and a commanding presence," team owner Jim Irsay said. "He also has a stellar reputation, and his myriad of life experiences and the people he has worked with make him the perfect fit for us and our fans. I feel extremely fortunate and could not be more excited for Colts Nation and the future of our franchise."