Parks and wreck?
The Colts are one of the NFL’s most endearing dumpster fires in 2022, and that’s not something that will change over the course of the next eight weeks.
Eyebrows were raised when the Colts announced that former All-Pro center Jeff Saturday would be taking over the headset and playsheet for the remainder of the 2022 season, but the weirdness of the arranged marriage doesn’t end there.
Parks Frazier, a 30-year-old assistant quarterbacks coach for the Colts, reportedly will handle offensive play-calling for Saturday on Sunday against the Raiders. Frazier was hired by now-fired head coach Frank Reich, and the pair’s relationship goes beyond what the two did on the field.
MORE: Why did the Colts hire Jeff Saturday?
There’s a little bit more weirdness going on than just the staff selections, though. Here’s what to know about the Colts’ new play-caller taking the reins this weekend:
Who is Parks Frazier?
Parks Frazier, who turns 31 on Nov. 20, entered the 2022 season as the Colts’ passing game coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach. New head coach Jeff Saturday recently tabbed Frazier as the team’s new offensive play-caller, replacing Reich (and previously fired offensive coordinator Marcus Brady).
Another surprise in Indianapolis: #Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday is expected to have 30-year-old pass game specialist/assistant quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier serve as the offensive play-caller starting Sunday against the #Raiders, sources tell me and @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/KN5reJhayE
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 8, 2022
Certainly, that seems to be a few steps skipped en route to calling and NFL offense on Sundays, but Frazier had a hand in gameday prep with Reich.
After stops at Samford, Middle Tennessee State and Arkansas State, Frazier landed with the Colts in 2018: Originally hired as assistant to the head coach, Frazier worked his way up to quality control coach in 2020, before making it to the assistant QB coach and passing game coordinator role this season.
MORE: Colts owner Jim Irsay defends decision to hire Jeff Saturday as interim head coach
Frazier and Reich’s relationship went beyond the football field. As it turns out, Reich was the officiant of Frazier’s wedding in 2021 when his assistant married Caroline Cann, a Colts team reporter.
Also adding a strange twist to Frazier’s background: In 2019, Frazier’s home in Indianapolis was riddled with bullets by eight gunmen. No one was home, and no one was harmed. The case turned out to be a mistaken identity situation.
Now, Frazier is getting his chance in the spotlight. We’ll see if he makes good on it.
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