The Indianapolis Colts interviewed Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda on Friday for their opening as defensive coordinator Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
Banda is now the one third reported interview or scheduled interview the Colts have conducted to date for this role.
Banda has been the Browns' safeties coach since the 2023 season. He previously coached at the collegiate level, including serving as Miami's co-defensive coordinator for two seasons and Utah State's defensive coordinator for two additional seasons.
This past 2024 season, Browns safety Grant Delpit ranked ninth among all safeties in tackles, while Rodney McLeod ranked fifth in pass breakups with Banda in charge of that space.
As noted by Colt's film room At X, Banda worked with current Duke head coach Manny Diaz at various stops. Diaz is known for running a “really aggressive” system with simulated pressure to create confusion on offense.
When GM Chris Ballard met with reporters on Friday, he didn't go deep into the defensive coordinator opening, but had this to say about what the Colts may be looking for:
“I definitely think there’s value in (being more aggressive),” Ballard said of that Indy Star. “You have to be able to influence the quarterback.”
