He is the longest serving coach in the history of the Indianapolis Colts, but today Gene Huey is out of a job.
The club announced Tuesday that they will not retain the services of Running Backs Coach Gene Huey.
Huey, 63, was shocked Friday when he had been told that he was fired. He had served as running backs coach since 1992.
"I thank Gene Huey for the work he has done for the club for many seasons," Head Coach Jim Caldwell said. "During his time, Gene played a key role with many players both on and off the field, and he was a part of coaching staffs that helped create a very special time in franchise history. I thank him for his contributions and wish him continued success."
He had to deal with a lot of pressure these last few years because the running game has struggled. The Colts rushing game ranked 29th in the league this season and would have been even lower if not for a couple of strong final games.
Huey was well-liked in the locker room and by the players. He groomed some of the franchise’s best tailbacks including Marshall Faulk, Edgerrin James, Joseph Addai.
“Much love to my RB Coach Gene Huey. He’s a great man! He is like a father figure to me. Thanks for everything,” running back Dominic Rhodes said of his former coach.
This is one of many possible changes coming for the Colts this offseason. After last years Super Bowl loss, Bill Polian widely criticized the offensive line. This season it wasn’t must better and I think the loss of Howard Mudd cannot be underestimated. There have also been mumblings that Polian’s son Chris will take a larger role with the team beginning this offseason as Bill hopes to slowly back away in the next few years.
There are a lot of possible changes the Colts will look into this offseason. No. 1 is signing Peyton Manning to a long-term deal. And No. 2 is getting current players healthy. However there’s no question building and fixing up the front line of defense for Manning will be critical moving forward.
Colts owner Jim Irsay chimed in Tuesday night via twitter with these comments.
There are complex workings within the inner sanctum of an organization. All cannot be revealed, some things are proprietary. Gene’s a good man…Gene Huey and I go back decades together. His loyalty and dedication to the horseshoe was significant. I’ll miss my friend. Together we conquered.