SI ranks Frank Reich middle-of-the-pack among NFL HCs

Sports Illustrated ranked Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich as the 14th-best coach in the NFL entering the 2021 season.

As Reich was ranked in the middle of the pack, it was also noted that the direction the Colts are heading in was labeled as “neutral,” likely due to the uncertain nature of the quarterback position.

Here’s what Connor Orr, who conducted the rankings, had to say about it:

14. Frank Reich, Colts
Trending: Neutral
Staff strength: 7

We’re in a holding pattern on the Frank Reich regime until we see what Carson Wentz looks like. It’s not entirely fair to ask Reich to fix the bad habits Wentz developed in Reich’s absence, but there is little doubt Reich had input on who he wanted to land this offseason during a rather robust game of quarterback musical chairs. This is their situation, for better or worse, and many of us are expecting the former, with Wentz feeling out the MVP space before Reich left for Indianapolis and the Eagles asked him to shoulder the scattered offensive ideas of a dozen different voices. Regardless, Reich deserves a ton of credit for navigating an unexpected franchise timeline following the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck. Through seasons with Jacoby Brissett and Philip Rivers, the Colts have been competitive, making the playoffs last year and finishing in the top 10 of most major offensive categories.

If Reich’s conviction about Wentz comes true, there is no way he’s this low on a rankings list next year. Reich has proven to have the innate ability to connect with his players on a personal level, which has led to immense trust between the coaching staff and the roster.

There is no denying that Reich is taking a risk by sticking his neck out for Wentz following the latter’s rough season in 2020 but if there’s anyone who can help get him back on track, it’s Reich.

The Colts have a chance to be one of the better teams in the AFC in 2021 and much of it will fall on the shoulders of Reich.