One Colts’ coordinator was named a young head coaching candidate to know in 2026.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network put together his list of the 24 young head coaching candidates to know in 2026, and included was Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter.
“Steichen loves Cooter because he lives in the details — leverage, spacing, timing, intent behind each look — that can change the entire picture,” wrote Pelissero. “Cooter’s ability to stay one step ahead has been integral to the Colts’ process and is one reason other teams may be intrigued to spend more time getting to know him.”
Through 11 weeks this season, the Colts’ offense has been the most productive in football, leading the NFL in scoring at 32.1 points per game.
In addition to that, the Indianapolis offense is first in yards per rush, fourth in yards per pass attempt, eighth in third down conversion success, and third in red zone success.
Head coach Shane Steichen is the play caller, and ultimately it’s up to the players to go out and execute the calls, but Cooter plays an integral part in building out those game plans and the implementation of them throughout each week.
Cooter has called plays before, back during his time as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator. But one could wonder if the next step in his progression towards a potential head coaching gig is handling those duties again, which could make him an offensive coordinator candidate for another team this offseason.
It’s quite common around the NFL to see a non-play-calling coordinator take another coordinator job elsewhere, where they are in charge of calling plays.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if Lou Anarumo’s name pops up this upcoming offseason as teams search for their next head coach.
