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INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts today named Joe Gilbert as the team's offensive line coach. Gilbert previously served as the team's assistant offensive line coach last year.
"We are extremely excited about Joe coaching our offensive line," said Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano. "He did a great job last year. Joe brings great energy and passion to that room, and stresses fundamentals and technique. He expects a lot from his players and will continue to develop that unit into one of the best in the NFL."
Last season, the offensive line blocked for the Colts to rush for 104.4 rushing yards per game, which was the highest average for the team since 2007. The line also provided time for quarterback Andrew Luck to throw for the most passing yards (4,374), attempts (627) and 300-yard passing games (six) by a rookie in NFL history.
Prior to joining the Colts, Gilbert spent 25 years coaching at the collegiate level, most recently at the University of Illinois (2009-11). In 2010, Gilbert guided an Illinois offensive line that paved the way for school records in total points and points per game, as well as running back Mikel Leshoure's school record 1,697 rushing yards.
Before coaching at Illinois, Gilbert was the offensive line coach at the University of Houston (2008) and tight ends coach at Toledo (2007). He served as the offensive line coach at Central Florida (2004-06) and Toledo (2001-03) after he was the head coach at Mansfield (Pa.) in 2000. Gilbert worked six years at Maine as the offensive coordinator (1996-99) and offensive line coach (1994-95). Prior to Maine, he was the offensive line coach at Northeastern (1991-93) and was a recruiting coordinator at Pennsylvania (1989-90). Gilbert began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Albany from 1987-88.
