The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly hired Ravens linebackers coach Ted Monachino as their new defensive coordinator, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. The Colts signed head coach Chuck Pagano to a four-year extension after much debate about his future in Indianapolis but decided it was time to cut ties with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.
The Colts clearly struggled this season on both sides of the ball, but their defense finished ranked 26th in the league in terms of yards per game. Monachino has been with the Ravens since 2010 and was part of their Super Bowl winning team during the 2012 regular season. The Ravens have consistently produced a strong defense year-in and year-out, and Indianapolis has been in need of an upgrade on their defensive side of the ball for quite some time.
While Pagano was given more time in Indianapolis, Lovie Smith's time was cut short in Tampa Bay after just two seasons as their head coach. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht met with the media on Thursday to address the firing of Smith and how the Buccaneers will move forward.
"When you have eight wins, and three home wins, in two years, you've been patient enough," said Licht, via Pro Football Talk. The Buccaneers GM said that it was an emotional decision, but the organization felt that it was time for a new face to lead the franchise. Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is reportedly the leading candidate to take over as head coach in 2016, and it will be interesting to see what interview requests the organization makes over the next couple days.
Licht also now has control of the 53-man roster but will not cross names of their head coaching list as a result, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. The Buccaneers look to be trending in the right direction and will need to find a head coach that can have a strong connection with quarterback Jameis Winston, as he is the future of their franchise.
