Colts Move On From Pair of Coaches After Disappointing Season

The Indianapolis Colts are resetting ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of an Indianapolis Colts helmet during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts will not retain defensive backs coach Ron Milus or linebackers coach Richard Smith for the 2025 season, per the team (h/t James Boyd | The Athletic).

DBs coach Ron Milus and LBs coach Richard Smith were not retained for the 2025 season, per the #Colts.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2025

Milus spent three years in Indy and has been active in the NFL coaching realm for 25 years as a defensive backs coach. He spent four years as a defensive back at the University of Washington before teaching his ways.

The Colts' secondary struggled all season, allowing 229.4 passing yards per game, ending as the 26th-ranked team in the league. On top of that, Indy allowed a 69.36% completion rate (30th in the NFL).

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

Indy's pass defenders struggled to stay healthy and allowed tons of big plays. Tackling was a major issue as the Colts missed more tackles than any other team in the league.

Gus Bradley’s Defense:

•Led NFL in Missed Tackles

•Gave up 362 Yards per game (29th)

•Drew Lock 5 TDs, 309 Yards

•Mixon 261 yards in 2 games

•Jacobs 151 yards

•Caleb 363 Yards

•Fields 367 Yards.

•Lawerence 371 Pass Yards

Gus was helping the other team. pic.twitter.com/oWvQG8hrU7

— Talkin’ Colts (@TalkinnColts) January 6, 2025

Smith, who also had a three-year tenure in Indy, has spent nearly four decades as an NFL coach. Both Milus and Smith came over from the Las Vegas Raiders but failed to piece together a competitive defense during their stay with the Colts.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard will now be searching for a defensive coordinator, a defensive backs coach, and a linebackers coach. If assistant general manager Ed Dodds leaves, Ballard will have his hands full this offseason.

---

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.