Ex-NFL receiver Reggie Wayne named Indianapolis Colts volunteer coach

Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has agreed to become a volunteer assistant coach for the Colts, the team announced Monday.

New Colts head coach Frank Reich invited Wayne to assist wideout coach Kevin Patullo to work with receivers.

"Oh man, Reggie, he's the best," Reich said on the Colts' website. "And sometimes as a coach, when you get a former player that's done what someone like Reggie has done -- which few people have done what Reggie has done -- we're always excited. But furthermore, when you actually coached the guy, it takes it to a whole new level of excitement, because I know the kind of person and the kind of pro that we're getting. I know his knowledge of the game, his leadership on the field -- really, with the whole team -- but specifically with the wide receiver group can be dynamic."

Reich was the Colts' receivers coach in 2011, when Wayne had 75 catches for 960 yards and four touchdowns. That was a down year for Wayne, a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He had more than 100 receptions in a season four times, and had more than 1,000 receiving yards eight times, including a league-leading 1,510 in 2007.

Wayne currently works as an NFL Network analyst, and he has considered getting into coaching.

"Well, I think it's an important part of the process for a player," Reich said. "I mean, it's not an easy transition to go from player to coach. I mean, everybody would think it would be seamless, it would be easy, but it's a different deal.

"And, you know, I think when you kind of go the [volunteer] route, it allows the player to make sure, 'Hey, I know I love the game, I know I love being with the guys, but this is a huge commitment. And does it all work, does it all fit?' And it gives you a chance to grow into it without that pressure of going all-in right from the start."