After parting ways with Gus Bradley, the Indianapolis Colts need a new defensive coordinator. Could Chris Harris be the guy?
No, we’re not talking about the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback who retired last year. We’re talking about Chris Harris, the current passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach for the Tennessee Titans.
Letting go of Bradley didn’t surprise anyone. The Colts’ defense struggled in each of his three years in Indy. Regarding points allowed, the team finished 29, 28, and 27th the past three seasons.
The Colts’ defense was destroyed in their embarrassing Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. Drew Lock looked like Prime Dan Marino, throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver Malik Nabers, meanwhile, resembled a young Jerry Rice with 171 yards and two touchdowns.
Performances like that happened often against Bradley’s defenses. Needless to say, there needed to be a change. Chris Harris, who helped the Titans’ pass defense play great this season, could be an ideal replacement for Bradley.
Colts Should Hire Chris Harris as Their Next Defensive Coordinator
Harris’ Career as a Player and Coach
Chris Harris played safety for eight seasons in the NFL. The Chicago Bears selected him in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He had stints with the Bears, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Louisiana-Monroe star was the NFL’s forced fumbles leader in 2007 and was named second-team All-Pro in 2010. Playing for the Bears during Super Bowl XLI, he intercepted a pass from Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. However, Chicago wound up losing to Indianapolis 29-17.
Harris got into coaching immediately after retirement. He started as a defensive quality control coach for the Bears. He then joined the Los Angeles Chargers as an assistant defensive backs coach. Harris later became in charge of the Washington Commanders secondary. During his time in Washington, he helped the team rank eighth in passing defense and fourth in total defense. He has been with the Titans for the last two seasons, helping them rank in the top ten in several defensive categories.
Why the Colts Should Hire Him
General manager Chris Ballard is returning to the Colts for his ninth season. He did a horrible job addressing the secondary last year. Hopefully, this offseason, Ballard will add quality pieces to join Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones and Co.
The Colts’ new and improved secondary (hopefully) will need someone to guide the unit. Harris would be a nice fit. The Titans had only a 3-14 record this season. Yet, they ranked second in the NFL in pass yards allowed per game (177.3) under Harris’ leadership.
Harris played in the NFL and has 20 years of coaching experience. Not to mention, he has connections to Ballard and Colts head coach Shane Steichen. With that said, he deserves a shot as the Colts’ next defensive coordinator.
Guys like Robert Saleh, Dennis Allen, and Wink Martindale are all good candidates for the job as well. But don’t forget about Chris Harris. Perhaps it’s his time to be promoted and show what he can do in Indianapolis, attempting to fix a struggling defense.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports
