Could the Colts Lose Bubba Ventrone?
The Indianapolis Colts have one of the league's premier special teams coordinators in Bubba Ventrone. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that the Cleveland Browns have expressed interest in interviewing the highly-sought after coordinator for the same position.
It comes as no surprise that other teams are interested in Ventrone, who has helped the Colts' special teams unit improve every season since arriving on the scene in 2018. Before that, Ventrone was an assistant special teams coordinator for Bill Belichick's New England Patriots from 2015-2017.
With a new coach coming to the Colts in former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, it would be a significant loss for Indianapolis if Ventrone decided to pack his bags. Ventrone has a prior connection to the Browns, having played safety in Cleveland from 2009-2012.
Ventrone is familiar with the city of Cleveland and the franchise, so this move could happen. The loss of Ventrone would leave the Colts with another coaching vacancy to fill.
With the interview request coming for the same position and not a promotion, general manager Chris Ballard may block the request for the interview (as he did with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley) once he discusses things with Steichen.
After such a brutally bad 2022, the defense and special teams truly stood out. Kick returner and cornerback Dallis Flowers led the NFL in yards per kick return with 31.1 under Ventrone, one of the few bright spots for the Colts' abysmal season.
Ventrone also has "future head coach" written all over him, so a move to a new franchise that could use the special teams' help could help build his resume. Ventrone has only been coaching in the NFL for eight seasons, all as a special teams coordinator.
With the coaching staff positions filling out, will the Colts allow him to interview with the Browns?
We will see if one of the best special teams coaches in the league could be moving cities right when Indianapolis can least afford it.
