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Jeff Saturday thanks Colts fans, sends well wishes to new coach
Jeff Saturday seems to be enjoying life after his brief run as the Indianapolis Colts interim head coach.
Saturday, from a boat in open water, posted a video message to Twitter on Tuesday, thanking the Colts for his coaching opportunity, congratulating new Colts coach Shane Steichen – whose official hiring was announced Tuesday – and even poked a little fun at himself in the process.
“It was an absolute blessing,” Saturday said. “I look fondly upon it. Wish would have done better. But ultimately that is where it is.”
Remembering Jeff Saturday’s run as Colts’ coach
With no prior coaching experience at the college or NFL level, Saturday was a controversial hire by Colts owner Jim Irsay this season.
Still, Saturday was and still is a respected former Colts player who won a Super Bowl as Peyton Manning’s center and spent 13 seasons with the franchise. He took over for former Colts coach Frank Reich, who coached the Colts five seasons.
Saturday won the first game he coached, helping the Colts beat the Las Vegas Raiders 25- 20 on Nov. 13, 2022. The Raiders were coached by Josh McDaniels, who reneged on the Colts coaching job in 2018.
After the win, Saturday and the Colts lost seven consecutive games to end the season and secured the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
“First, I just wanted to say to the Colts organization and Colts nation, how much I appreciate the opportunity. I’m so grateful for the last eight weeks of the season and the opportunity to represent you guys,” Saturday said.
“I appreciate the coaches for all your time, energy and effort. To all the players laying it out there each and every week, I can’t tell you how much I respect and appreciate what each and every player, not only for the Colts, but the NFL do and what they put on the line each and every week.”
Jeff Saturday’s message to new Colts coach Shane Steichen
Saturday wished Steichen well and said he looks forward to the Colts being able to win the Super Bowl again.
“I want to wish coach Steichen the best of luck. I’m still a huge Colts fan and pulling for you guys, looking forward to hoisting some Lombardi trophies and excited for your opportunity,” Saturday said.
Saturday added: “Coach Steichen, best of luck to you and your family in Indianapolis. It’s an incredible town. Best fans in the world man. You’ll get the greatest support and look forward to watching your success and the rest of the men in that locker room and the coaching staff that you have with you. So, to all Colts nation, appreciate you guys, love you guys and see you soon.”
Jeff Saturday pokes fun at petition signed by Colts fans
Even Saturday got a little laugh at his own expense.
Instead of Colts fans clamoring for the team to hire him on a full- time basis, they created and signed a Change. org petition titled “Don’t hire Jeff Saturday at head coach.”
More than 4,000 people signed the petition online.
“So for everybody out there, including the however many thousand that signed a petition – which may have included my wife and son, not exactly sure,” Saturday said with a laugh.
“But in all honesty, I’m so grateful for Colts nation and who you are. To represent the horseshoe, it meant the world to me.”
More on Colts’ new coach Shane Steichen
The Colts made it official Tuesday, hiring Steichen to lead the franchise fresh off his Super Bowl run with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Steichen was the Eagles offensive coordinator for two seasons, coaching quarterback Jalen Hurts. He also coached quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Philip Rivers during his time as a coach with the Chargers.
Steichen will be a first- time NFL head coach, tasked with helping the Colts find their next starting quarterback and helping Indianapolis return to the postseason like they have 14 times since 2002.