The Indianapolis Colts have interviewed Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda on Friday for their defensive coordinator opening, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
Banda is now the third reported interview or scheduled interview that the Colts have had so far for this role.
Banda has been the Browns’ safety coach since the 2023 season. Before that, his coaching background was at the college level, which includes stints as the Miami co-defensive coordinator for two seasons and the Utah State defensive coordinator for two more seasons.
During this most recent 2024 season, Browns’ safety Grant Delpit would rank ninth among all safeties in tackles, while Rodney McLeod was tied for fifth in pass breakups with Banda in charge of that room.
As was noted by Colts Film Room on X, Banda has worked with current Duke head coach Manny Diaz at a few different stops. Diaz is known for operating a “really aggressive” system with simulated pressures to cause some confusion for the offense.
When GM Chris Ballard met with reporters on Friday, he didn’t dive deep into the defensive coordinator opening, but did have this to say in regards to what the Colts might be looking for:
“I definitely think there is value (in being more aggressive),” Ballard said via the Indy Star. “You’ve got to be able to affect the quarterback.”
