Rob Chudzinski is likely going to do more than just take Pep Hamilton's spot alongside Chuck Pagano on the Colts' sideline. The team's new offensive coordinator also expected to change the complexion of Indianapolis' offense.
New Colts offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski is expected to bring major changes
Chudzinski reportedly plans on simplifying the game plan and getting the tight ends more involved.
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Chudzinski's main mission is to simplify Indianapolis' offensive scheme. Chudzinski will reportedly take some of the focus off the struggling Andrew Luck and put more responsible in the hands of Frank Gore, who's averaging 4.3 yards per carry this season. Luck has been prone to turnovers for the entirety of his four-year NFL career, but the problem has ramped up in 2015. In six games played this season –– he missed Weeks 4 and 5 with a shoulder injury –– Luck leads the league with 12 interceptions.
As a result, the previously potent Colts offense has struggled mightily this year. Indy is 16th in total offense and 12th in passing after ranking third and first in those categories last season. Per La Canfora, the Colts’ brass hopes the offense is more balanced and efficient under Chudzinski than it was under Hamilton.
It’s not a well-kept secret that Chudzinski, who previously served as the Colts’ associate head coach, was Pagano’s choice as offensive coordinator all along. La Canfora reported in September general manager Ryan Grigson overruled Pagano on that decision before bringing in Hamilton. Indianapolis has been mired in turmoil all season long, and Pagano’s seeming lack of control over his coaching staff could be a major reason why. But now, nine weeks into what may be his final season in Indy, Pagano finally got his man.
In addition to putting more emphasis on the running game, Chudzinski also seems primed to get the tight ends more involved. Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star points out Chudzinski's background with the tight end position, first as a player than as a coach. He played a big role in the development of Kellen Winslow Jr. and Jeremy Shockey at the University of Miami, and also groomed Jordan Cameron in Cleveland and Greg Olsen in Carolina. Dwayne Allen, who snagged eight touchdown passes last season, has only been targeted 14 times in 2015.
Chudzinski won't completely replicate his playbook from the time he coached Cam Newton as a rookie with the Panthers, but it seems as if he's planning on taking several of those elements with him. That could help Luck, who clearly has not performed under Hamilton's scheme this season.
Regardless of how the 3-5 Colts finish, this could be Pagano’s last season in Indianapolis. But at least with Chudzinski now, he’s being given an opportunity to go out with his guy.
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