Popular ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovksy was reportedly considered for a notable coaching role with a pair of teams before choosing to re-sign with the powerhouse sports network last summer.
The Indianapolis Colts stunned the football world during the 2022 season. However, their shocking decision wasn’t to fire head coach Frank Reich in November during the season. It was the bold move to pass on members of the staff to be the interim head coach and instead picked advisor and ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday to lead the team for the second half of the season.
Unfortunately for Indianapolis Colts boss Jim Irsay, the move did not deliver the hoped-for results, and it is why they decided to instead hire Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Shane Steichen to be their next head coach.
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Saturday was a very visible talent on ESPN NFL talk shows, but not nearly as much as long-time analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Following Saturday’s hiring, some pondered — often in a joking fashion — if the opinionated Orlovsky could eventually land a notable role as a coach in the league. Well, it seems he has actually been considered for a job even before Saturday landed his opportunity in Indianapolis.
Panthers and Colts reportedly considered Dan Orlovsky for offensive coaching role in 2022
Last summer, Dan Orlovsky came to terms on a new contract to remain with ESPN for several more years as one of their lead NFL analysts. However, before signing the deal, he reportedly was in serious consideration for a “prominent” coaching role with two teams.
On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that “Carolina and Indianapolis discussed prominent offensive coaching roles with ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky before he opted to remain at the network.”
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It is fascinating, and funny, that the Indianapolis Colts considered another analyst with no coaching experience for a major role in their franchise well before Jeff Saturday. The Carolina Panthers looking seriously at Dan Orlovsky seems to only add to the dysfunction in the organization since David Tepper purchased the team in 2018.
Orlovsky played seven seasons in the NFL, making stops in Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Houston. He started in 12 games during his career, and earned a 2-10 record in those games.