Ron Meyer was fired as coach of the winless Indianapolis Colts today and replaced by defensive coordinator Rick Venturi.
Meyer's dismissal comes two days after an embarrassing 31-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks dropped the Colts to 0-5.The 45-year-old Venturi, who coached at Northwestern from 1978-1981, joined the Colts in 1982 as linebackers coach.
The Colts also fired offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Leon Burtnett.
Colts general manager Jim Irsay said at a news conference that Venturi is the "head coach for the next eleven games."
Venturi said Colts management had grown tired of hearing Meyer complain about injuries.
"I can't worry about those type of things," Venturi said. "You get dealt a hand of cards and you have to make the best of that hand. I just don't think at this point we can dwell on it.
"Eleven guys have to line up offensively and defensively. We have to maximize their chances to win."