Colts Eye Browns’ Ephraim Banda in Search for Defensive Coordinator

The Indianapolis Colts are looking to make a fresh start on defense after parting ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley following a disappointing 2024 season. With the Colts missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, the franchise is determined to find a new leader for their defensive unit, and one of the candidates they’ve interviewed is Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda.

Banda Brings Experience and Potential

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Banda interviewed for the Colts’ vacant defensive coordinator position on Friday. Despite being relatively young, Banda has accumulated significant coaching experience. Before joining the Browns two years ago, he served as defensive coordinator for prominent college programs, including the Miami Hurricanes and Utah State Aggies.

Banda’s work in Cleveland provides a glimpse of his potential impact. The Browns’ secondary under Banda’s guidance allowed a 61.84% completion rate in 2024—third-best in the NFL—showcasing their ability to limit opposing quarterbacks despite the team’s overall struggles. His experience developing safeties could prove invaluable to a Colts defense that ranked among the league’s worst against the pass.

A Troubled Colts Defense in Need of Repair

The Colts’ defensive struggles in 2024 were glaring. Under Bradley’s scheme, Indianapolis surrendered a league-high 69.36% completion rate, 229.4 passing yards per game, and consistently struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks. Several performances highlighted their woes:

• Trevor Lawrence: 371 passing yards.
• Caleb Williams: 363 passing yards.
• Justin Fields: 367 total yards.
• Drew Lock: 309 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in a single game.

Additionally, the unit led the league in missed tackles and was repeatedly gashed by top-tier running backs like Joe Mixon, Josh Jacobs, and Travis Etienne. Bradley’s defensive approach often left massive gaps in underneath coverage, allowing quarterbacks to exploit easy options and achieve completion rates of 80% or higher in several games.

Gus Bradley’s Defense:

•Led NFL in Missed Tackles

•Gave up 362 Yards per game (29th)

•Drew Lock 5 TDs, 309 Yards

•Mixon 261 yards in 2 games

•Jacobs 151 yards

•Caleb 363 Yards

•Fields 367 Yards.

•Lawerence 371 Pass Yards

Gus was helping the other team. pic.twitter.com/oWvQG8hrU7

— Talkin’ Colts (@TalkinnColts) January 6, 2025

A Chance for Change

Ephraim Banda is now the third secondary coach the Colts have interviewed, signaling their intent to prioritize improvement in the defensive backfield. While Banda’s experience is primarily in coaching defensive backs, his results with Cleveland suggest he can help transform a Colts defense that desperately needs structure, discipline, and a more dynamic scheme.

With the NFL Draft just over three months away, the Colts are moving quickly to solidify their coaching staff. It’s imperative for the organization to have its defensive vision in place as they prepare to evaluate draft prospects and begin offseason activities.

What’s Next?

The Colts’ defensive coordinator search is far from over, but Banda’s name adds intrigue to the process. Whether Banda’s youth and potential are enough to earn him the job remains to be seen. However, his track record in Cleveland could make him an appealing choice for a franchise seeking to reverse its fortunes and return to playoff contention.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Colts continue their search for a defensive leader.