NFL News: Reports: Colts’ seven finalists include interim coach Jeff Saturday

Interim head coach Jeff Saturday moved into the round of second interviews with the Indianapolis Colts, who reportedly have narrowed their vast list of candidates to seven or eight finalists.

ESPN reported Saturday’s second interview would take place Wednesday.

Saturday was 1-7 as interim coach, winning his debut upon replacing Frank Reich but finishing with a seven-game losing streak. Saturday, 47, was a six-time Pro Bowl center who played for the Colts, Ravens and Packers. He was an NFL in-studio analyst at ESPN when he was placed into the lead sideline role by owner Jim Irsay.

Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard are leading interviews with candidates, but have yet to gain an audience with 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Ryans, a finalist to become head coach of the Houston Texans, cannot be interviewed until after the 49ers are eliminated from the playoffs.

At this point in the playoffs, NFL rules permit coaches whose teams are still involved in the postseason — Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is also a finalist with the Texans — to interview only if they’ve already conducted a first interview with the team this offseason.

The Indianapolis Star reported the other known finalists will interview in this order: Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero (Thursday), Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

Quinn remains in the mix for openings to become head coach of the Broncos and Cardinals.

–Field Level Media