Organization launches inquiry with the NFL regarding Colts’ hiring of white male, Jeff Saturday
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Diversity support organization is investigating the NFL’s hiring of Jeff Saturday by Indianapolis Colts as interim head coach amid backlash over his lack of experience
An organization that strives to support diversity in the NFL has contacted the league and wants to know if the guidelines were followed before the Indianapolis Colts hired Jeff Saturday.
Saturday, a white man, was shockingly hired as the Colts’ interim head coach on November 7 following the firing of Frank Reich.
The decision drew criticism from various quarters and media commentators, largely because many coaches have worked for years without such a valued opportunity.
Now the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA) wants an answer to whether owner Jim Irsay’s hiring process was aligned with the NFL’s hiring mechanisms.
Apparently their concerns are related to whether minority coaches got a good chance to push themselves forward before Saturday’s signing.
FPA released a statement on Thursday saying, “In light of Indianapolis’ recent interim head coaching appointment, the FPA is conducting an investigation with the NFL to determine whether this hiring process was in compliance with NFL hiring guidelines for the appointing an interim head coach.”
Jeff Saturday got his first NFL first-game win last Sunday in his debut game
Saturday was hired without any professional and college level coaching experience. However, he had previously coached high school football in Georgia at Hebron Christian Academy.
While Saturday may not have had any professional-level coaching experience, he was a six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLI champion after an illustrious 14-year NFL career.
Prior to his enshrinement in the Colts hot seat, Saturday was a football analyst for ESPN. He is the first media member to move from the broadcast chair to an NFL head coach’s headset.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay (L) has drawn widespread criticism over the appointment
The NFL’s controversial Rooney rule — which requires franchises to interview a minimum of two minority coaching candidates — does not apply to interim head coaching hires.
DailyMail.com’s request for comment from FPA and executive director, Rod Graves, was not immediately answered.
Despite the wave of controversy, Saturday and the Colts stormed to victory over the Las Vegas Raiders’ 25-20 win in Nevada.
They have a chance to go 2-0 in the Saturday era this Sunday when they travel to the 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles.
On Saturday, the under fire beat Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels in Nevada