Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has a longtime coaching colleague making a strong case for his future.
Derius Swinton II, who has known Cooter for 20 years, sees moments running an offense as what will put him on the head coaching radar.
“Jim Bob Cooter is one of the most gifted ‘unknown’ offensive minds in the NFL,” Swinton wrote to Colts Wire.
Cooter and Swinton's connection spans multiple stops. They were graduate assistants at Tennessee in 2007-08 and later shared staffs in Kansas City, Denver and Detroit
Swinton pointed to Cooter’s experience with Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford and coaches including Jim Caldwell, Adam Gase and Doug Pederson as the foundation for his offensive approach.
“He sees the game as creatively as an artist painting a portrait because he has the foresight to know where one call will lead to an advantage later in the game for a call in a crucial moment."
Cooter is in his fourth season as Indianapolis’ offensive coordinator, with Shane Steichen handling play-calling duties. He previously called plays as Detroit’s offensive coordinator from 2015-18.
Swinton believes that experience and ability deserve another look.
“I truly believe when his opportunity comes again to call plays fully he will be on everyone’s ‘Hot’ List for head coaching candidates."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: How Jim Bob Cooter's experiences shaped approach on offense