INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts have begun to fill their open assistant coaching positions, while adding another one to the list.
On Thursday, the Colts named Jim Herrmann as linebackers coach and Darren Krein as head strength and conditioning coach. The team also announced they will not retain offensive line coach Hal Hunter.
The Colts still have openings on their staff at running back, tight end, defensive back, safety and (now) offensive line.
Herrmann returns to the Midwest after serving as the New York Giants linebackers coach since 2009. Prior to that, Herrmann coached the same position with the Jets (2006-2008).
Before reaching the professional ranks, Herrmann coached for 20 seasons at the University of Michigan, where he also played for Bo Schembechler
Former Giants head coach Tom Coughlin says this about Herrmann:
"I've always been very much aware of Jim Herrmann and the job that he has done," Coughlin says of Herrmann.
"He was the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan for a lot of years and did an outstanding job. I was very impressed by not only the type of defense that they played, but the aggressive style that they played. People who have worked with him, people that I have respect for in the business, have nothing but outstanding things to say about him."
Krein will oversee the Colts strength and conditioning program after spending the last five years as the head man with the Dolphins.
In 2013, Krein's peers voted him as the NFL Strength Coach of the Year at the league's annual Strength and Conditioning Coaches banquet in Indianapolis.
Before the Dolphins, Krein spent time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Krein was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 1994 NFL Draft, but knee injuries forced him to retire two years later.
Hunter joined the Colts in 2013 as an assistant offensive line coach. He was elevated to co-offensive line coach (with Joe Gilbert, who remains on staff) this past season.
Colts Owner Jim Irsay spoke last week to the IndyStar about having a new voice to lead the offensive line group in 2016.
