NFL notebook: Colts finally have coach with hiring of Reich

[February 12, 2018]  After a surprising and embarrassing renewed search for a head coach, the Indianapolis Colts hired Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich on Sunday.

Reich, 56, is expected to be formally introduced at a Tuesday press conference, the Colts announced.

The Colts' decision to hire the Super Bowl-winning coordinator wrapped up an intensive coaching search after New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' stunning move to back out of an agreement in principle that led to the team announcing Tuesday that he would be introduced at a news conference Wednesday.

The NFL Network first reported Reich's agreement on a five-year deal, and it was confirmed by other media outlets and ESPN, which reported earlier Sunday that Reich was the favorite for the job. Reich's resume was enhanced with quarterback Nick Foles leading the Eagles to a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots last Sunday in Super Bowl LII. The Eagles' offense, led by Carson Wentz before his injury and then Foles, improved from 22nd in 2016 to seventh in the NFL this season.

--Alex Smith knows the trade won't become official until next month, but the new starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins says he is "jacked" and "really excited" about the move.

The Kansas City Chiefs agreed on Jan. 30 to trade Smith to Washington in exchange for a 2018 third-round pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller. Smith reportedly agreed to a four-year extension worth $94 million and averaging $23.5 million per year with $71 million in guaranteed money.

 

Jason Day lines up a putt on the 14th green during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

"I'm jacked. I'm really excited," Smith said last week on the Murph & Mac podcast on KBNR radio in San Francisco. "Once I found out that things in Kansas City were going in a different direction, I was pumped at the opportunity, and when Washington came calling I was hopeful that that was a possible destination, and I'm just jacked that it worked out. They wanted me because the feeling was mutual, and I'm looking forward to it."

Smith, who turns 34 in May, spent the past five seasons with the Chiefs. His deal to Washington can't be completed until the new NFL business year begins March 14.

--The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired defensive line coach Jay Hayes more than a month after the season ended and head coach Dirk Koetter indicated he did not anticipate any changes to his staff, according to multiple reports.

Hayes confirmed the team's decision to the Tampa Bay Times despite being under contract for the 2018 season. The decision was made on Friday.

The Bucs finished the 2017 season with just 22 sacks, the fewest in the NFL, and the defense also surrendered 378.1 yards per game, more than any other team in the league. After going 9-7 in 2016, Tampa Bay finished with a 5-11 record.

--Field Level Media

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