Saturday vows 'significant change' if Colts hire him full time

Indianapolis Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday said Monday he's hopeful the team will give him the full-time job this offseason.

"If I get this job, there's going to be significant change," Saturday said, according to Joel A. Erickson of IndyStar. "... The way I do things is not the way it's been done."

"I have a very clear vision for how I can turn this football team around," said the 47-year-old, adding that he doesn't have an interview with Indy set up yet, per James Boyd of The Athletic.

The Colts hired Saturday - who had never coached above the high school level - in a stunning move in November to replace Frank Reich, who was fired midway through the season amid a 3-5-1 record. Indy beat the Las Vegas Raiders in Saturday's first game as head coach but then lost the final seven games of the season to finish 4-12-1.

"It's been a true honor to represent the organization for these eight games," Saturday said, according to Kevin Bowen of 1075 The Fan.

"Incredible learning experience so far, about myself, my leadership style, how you carry yourself in difficult times," added Saturday, who also said he has a definite idea of staff members he'd want in his crew in 2023.

Colts owner Jim Irsay reportedly hired Saturday despite members of the team's front office - including team president Pete Ward and general manager Chris Ballard - expressing concerns regarding the move at the time. Saturday is a member of the team's Ring of Honor, having played center for Indianapolis from 1999-2011. He made five Pro Bowls with the Colts and helped them win one Super Bowl.

Indy struggled on both sides of the ball in 2022, ranking 30th in points scored and 28th in points allowed. The quarterback position remains the team's biggest issue, as former NFL MVP Matt Ryan failed to meet expectations after joining the club in an offseason trade from the Atlanta Falcons.

Ryan started 12 games this season, tossing just 14 touchdowns to 13 interceptions before being benched for the second time in the final three games. Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles started three and two contests, respectively.

The Colts own the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.