Jim Irsay's Introductory Press Conference For Jeff Saturday Was Insane
The Indianapolis Colts held an introductory press conference for new head coach Jeff Saturday. Since Saturday was announced as the new coach today many people had questioned the decision, wondering why one of ESPN's talking heads, with zero coaching experience at the collegiate or professional level, should suddenly get to take over an NFL team. Colts owner Jim Irsay was defiant and confident and the quotes from the press conference are amazing.
Irsay made it sound like the Colts had landed an incredible catch in Saturday. He even went so far as to say he hoped Saturday would be coaching next season.
Jim Irsay on Jeff Saturday: "You wanna bet against this guy? Put your money down, people ... this is for eight games, hopefully more."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 8, 2022
“We were fortunate that he was available.” -Colts owner Jim Irsay on interim head coach Jeff Saturday
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) November 8, 2022
Irsay was confident, but reminded everyone that football isn't that complicated. It's not rocket science! And it's a good thing that Saturday has no experience because that means he doesn't have fear or rely on analytics. Also, in addition to no experience being good, he has plenty of experience.
Irsay says he’s glad Saturday doesn’t have NFL coaching experience because those guys have “fear” and often lean on analytics: “He doesn’t have that fear. We were very fortunate he was available. He has tons of experience. He knows this game inside and out.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 8, 2022
Irsay has invoked the likes of Don Shula and Tony Dungy in speaking about Jeff Saturday, who is the coach for eight games, "hopefully more."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 8, 2022
"I'm glad he doesn't have NFL experience." Says he's glad Saturday hasn't learned the fear NFL coaches have and takes a shot at analytics.
"I don't know how to make sausage, I don't know what goes into sausage...I do know how to build a football team." - Colts owner Jim Irsaypic.twitter.com/d1KbfBl1Mk
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) November 8, 2022
Irsay also took the opportunity to express his support of general manager Chris Ballard, comparing him to Michael Jordan and saying he would be back for the 2023 season. Ballard, in turn, took the opportunity to defend himself to the press for criticism of his draft results.
Chris Ballard: "Y'all been kicking the shit out of me for not drafting wideouts and now we're underperforming on the offensive line."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 8, 2022
Hard to believe the scene in Indianapolis. My personal favorite so far is Chris Ballard’s involuntary reaction to Jim Irsay comparing him to Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/FW114E6xqy
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 8, 2022
Q: Why did you bypass coaches on your staff to hire Jeff Saturday, a guy with no coaching experience (in college/NFL)?
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 8, 2022
Jim Irsay: “Because he’s a better fit. He’s the right man for the job.” #colts
After listening to all that it's no surprise to learn that the Colts are in the top quartile of the upper quartile.
Did not expect Jim Irsay to cut a Scott Steiner math promo during his presser but here #TopQuartileOfThatUpperQuartile pic.twitter.com/RhN1OmY5Ix
— CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) November 8, 2022
It is unclear if Jeff Saturday actually spoke during the press conference, but really, what more is there to say?