The Colts are expected to hire Jaguar’s Jim Bob Cooter as OC

Cooter, 38, was the pass game coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars most recently. Steichen and Cooter have some recent history together, as Cooter served as Steichen’s offensive advisor with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021.

A former college quarterback at Tennessee, Cooter brings crucial quarterback experience to the Colts, who are widely expected to make the starting quarterback of the season. Indianapolis has the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The team has not made any official announcements about its personnel, but multiple sources have indicated that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and the majority of his staff will be retained under Steichen’s presidency. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who was an initial candidate for the Colts’ head coaching job, is also expected to remain with the organization.

Cooter’s experience with innovative offenses and coaches will help him get along well with Steichen. The past two seasons, Cooter has been in Philadelphia (2021) and Jacksonville (2022). The Eagles used creativity to take advantage of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ unique skill set, and at Jacksonville, Cooter worked alongside coach Doug Pederson, who made great use of concepts like the pre-snap movement to become one of the most respected offensive coaches in the NFL.

Although Cooter will earn the title of offensive coordinator at Indianapolis, Steichen has already proven that he plans to call offensive plays on game days. Under this arrangement, the offensive coordinator will likely play an important role in the game planning process. Cooter can also be tasked with leading offensive meetings.

Cooter’s hire takes him back to where his NFL coaching career began. He was a member of Jim Caldwell’s Colts from 2009 to 2011. He later rejoined Caldwell with the Detroit Lions in 2014.

Among the quarterbacks Cooter has worked with: Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Hurts, and Trevor Lawrence.