INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Jan. 16, 2016) – Yet another Indianapolis Colts assistant coach won’t return for the 2016 season. This time, it’s on the coach’s terms.
Clyde Christensen, an assistant with the team for 14 seasons, confirmed he has agreed to become the offensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins. ESPN first reported the decision. Christensen spent the last four seasons as quarterback Andrew Luck’s position coach.
Christensen’s departure is the latest since the Colts recently extended coach Chuck Pagano’s contract through the 2019 season. Eight assistants have been fired, most notably defensive coordinator Greg Manusky.
Since joining the team as part of Tony Dungy’s staff in 2002, Christensen has served as receivers coach, assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and most recently quarterbacks coach.
It marks the third time Christensen has held an offensive coordinator’s position in the NFL. Along with the Dolphins and Colts, he was Dungy’s offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay in 2001.
Christensen’s decision will result in continued adjustments for Luck. Not only will he have a new position coach, he’ll be working with his third coordinator in five season. Bruce Arians handled that role in 2012 followed by Pep Hamilton from 2013 until he was fired in early November.
Associate head coach Rob Chudzinski took over play-called duties after Hamilton’s departure and recently was named offensive coordinator.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.
