Former NFL, Miami standout considered for key role with Colts

Reggie Wayne made a name for himself as a wide receiver with the Indianapolis Colts. Now, the Colts legend could soon be joining Frank Reich’s coaching staff. According to The Athletic’s Zak Keefer, the Colts are considering hiring Wayne as the team’s new wide receivers coach.

“News: The Colts are strongly considering hiring franchise great Reggie Wayne as the team’s new wide receivers coach, sources said,” Keefer tweeted. “Nothing finalized, but would be a big addition to Frank Reich’s staff.”

Wayne played 14 seasons with the Colts, hauling in 1,070 receptions on 1,714 targets for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns. He made six Pro Bowls, and was a first team All-Pro in 2010. Wayne was also a second team All-Pro selection in 2007 and 2009.

Prior to his time with the Colts, Wayne played four years at Miami. There, he hauled in 173 receptions for 2,510 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Colts selected Wayne with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Adding Wayne to the coaching staff would be a big move for Indianapolis. Wayne ranks tenth all-time with 14,345 career receiving yards, also sitting tenth all-time with 1,070 receptions. He is also still just 43 years old, and could bring a sort of veteran presence to a locker room that is looking for a big bounce back season next year.

Wayne would bring valuable experience to the Colts receiving room

This past season, the Colts lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the final da of the regular season, ending their hopes for a berth in the postseason. Entering the offseason, improving the offense around star running back Jonathan Taylor should be a top priority.

Quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 3,563 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but he struggled at times in key moments. At receiver, the Colts have a clear need. Michael Pittman Jr. led the team with 88 receptions, 1,082 yards and six receiving touchdowns this past season. The Colts next best receiver was Zach Pascal, who had 38 receptions for 384 yards and three touchdowns. TY Hilton only played in ten games and hasn’t looked quite right in a couple of seasons. He had 23 catches for 331 yards and three touchdowns this past season.

While the Colts could add to the receiver room this offseason, either in free agency or in the NFL Draft, adding Wayne to the staff could also work wonders. His experience and productivity could help the Colts offense tremendously if he is hired.