Shake Up In Colts Coaching Staff?
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Per multiple reports, the Colts have decided to part ways with running backs coach, David Walker. Apparently, the move was a mutual agreement for each party to go their separate ways.
After a season of abysmal performances by the Colts backfield, this move was far from unexpected. Indianapolis was statistically the worst running team in the playoffs, averaging just over 100 yards per contest, and a paltry 3.9 yards per carry.
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While the Colts staff have stubbornly clung to the notion that the wanted to be a “power run” team, efforts to turn embattled tailback, Trent Richardson, into the feature back in that scheme have ultimately failed. Richardson, who inactive in all three playoff games, is a huge question mark on the Colts roster, as it hasn’t yet been determined if he will return to the team for the final year of his contract next season.
While the Colts were plagued with quite a few injuries in the backfield this season, losing running backs Vick Ballard and Ahmad Bradshaw for the year less than halfway through the season, even when they had everyone healthy, they still failed to produce. They failed to have a single 100 yard rusher the entire season, culminating with an embarrassing 1-yard effort against the Cowboys in week 16. On three different occasions, the Colts leading rusher was quarterback Andrew Luck. While Luck is an agile runner, that simply won’t cut it if the Colts want to make it over the hump to get to a Super Bowl.
The move ends a four-year stint Walker with the Colts. Prior to that, he spent 6 seasons in the same role at the University of Pittsburg. Per Colts.com, Head Coach Chuck Pegano thanked Walker for his efforts on the Colts staff. “We’re grateful for David’s contributions to the Colts’ success over the last four years and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Expect the hunt for an able replacement to end quickly. It’s not like Ryan Grigson to make a move without having a plan in place already. For the Colts to make the leap to the next level the aspire to reach, improvement in the run game is crucial.
Stay tuned for updates as this story progresses.