Report: Colts hiring Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly losing passing game coordinator Jim Bob Cooter as their divisional rival, the Indianapolis Colts, is expected to name the assistant coach their new offensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Cooter, 38, spent just one season with the Jaguars after joining the team as part of Doug Pederson’s staff last offseason. With the trio of Pederson, Cooter, and offensive coordinator Press Taylor at the reins, Jacksonville’s offense made leaps and bounds in 2022.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who led the NFL in interceptions as a rookie, earned Pro Bowl honors in his second season with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His passer rating climbed from 71.9 in 2021 to 95.2 in his second NFL season.

Prior to joining the Jaguars, Cooter had a three-year stint as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions from 2016 to 2018. After his contract was allowed to expire, Cooter spent two seasons as the New York Jets’ running backs coach and one season as a consultant with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Colts recently hired former Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as their new head coach and the team appears primed to draft a quarterback in the top five picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cooter also interviewed for offensive coordinator positions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers prior to the Colts’ interview request.

It’s unclear for now if the Jaguars will make an outside hire to fill the vacancy, promote a coach already on the staff, or eliminate the position. Changing the title of quarterbacks coach Mike McCoy to passing game coordinator may be the most prudent way to fill the void.