A Big Acquisition by the Colts Could Release Their Defensive Line Group
Charlie Partridge of Pittsburgh might hold the key to enabling guys like Dayo Odeyingbo and Kwity Paye in Indianapolis. Charlie Partridge, the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Panthers, was hired by the Indianapolis Colts today to become their new defensive line coach, marking the team’s first major offseason hire of 2024.
Prior to making the move to the NFL, Partridge, 50, played collegiate football for the previous 27 years. Since 2002, he has coached defensive lines almost every season with the exception of 2014–2016, when he was hired as Florida Atlantic’s head coach. He played for Pittsburgh for the previous seven years, when he was extremely successful under renowned defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi.
For the last four seasons, Partridge’s defensive line has finished in the top three in sack totals. Over the previous five seasons, Pitt has also excelled in run defence, ranking among the top 10 in the nation in three of those years’ average yards per carry.
During his undergraduate career, Partridge also had a significant role in the development of the defensive line. It is even more remarkable that in his twelve years of coaching, twelve players have been selected by the NFL, given that he has never had a five-star prospect play for him. Among the more well-known athletes he has mentored are Calijah Kancey (2019–2022), Trey Hendrickson (2014–2016), and J.J. Watt (2008–2010).
Now, let’s discuss the new defensive line coach the Colts have and how he might affect the team’s defence in the forthcoming campaign.
We need to talk about the precise function of a defensive line coach on a club before delving too far into how Partridge will affect the Colts’ defence. Let’s dispel some myths regarding positional coaches’ responsibilities right away, as there are plenty of them.
In the NFL, positional coaches are rarely utilised as personal trainers. They are in charge of making small adjustments to a player’s game, but they usually don’t oversee the complete development of every single player. It all boils down to the type of work a player puts in over the summer and the lessons the players learn from their exit conferences.
Positional coaching is useful in situations where players need to be positioned to make plays, such as during gameday rotations, practice repetitions, and little adjustments. While a skilled positional coach won’t miraculously transform a raw player into an All-Pro, they will provide the player with the tools necessary to advance in their career.
Partridge can’t just turn every player he touches into gold because he’s not a miracle worker. But he can provide each player with the resources—film work, alignment, and opportunity—necessary to thrive. These factors make this a wise acquisition for the Colts.
