INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts owner Jim Irsay on Monday night vigorously defended his stunning decision to hire former Indianapolis offensive lineman Jeff Saturday as his team's interim head coach, saying the first-time NFL coach is "fully experienced enough" and "fully capable."
Irsay fired coach Frank Reich on Monday morning following late-night deliberations with general manager Chris Ballard on Sunday. Then, shortly afterward, the team announced the hiring of Saturday, currently an ESPN analyst. It is Saturday's first coaching experience above the high school level.
Irsay spoke at length Monday night about the toughness Saturday displayed during 13 seasons with the Colts, with whom he made five Pro Bowls.