John Nestor

The Indianapolis Colts fired defensive coordinator Larry Coyer as the team suffers through its first 0-11 season since 1986.

A defensive assistant for two years in Tampa Bay and in Denver from 2000-06, Coyer coached Colts head coach Jim Caldwell in college at Iowa.

The Colts defense ranks near the bottom of the league in a number of major categories: No. 32 in points allowed, No. 32 in third-down efficiency, No. 31 in rushing yards, No. 29 in total yards and No. 18 in passing yards.

Colts linebackers coach Mike Murphy will take over the defense and has a tall order facing him as Indianapolis is at New England Sunday.

"The move was made to improve communication and production," Caldwell said. "We feel this is the most effective and realistic way to move forward and win games this season. We appreciate all of the effort and hard work Larry Coyer put forth in his three years with the Colts."

Murphy is in his 27th season as an NFL coach and 14th year with the Colts as the team's linebackers coach prior to being elevated to defensive coordinator.

NFL 2011 - Hapless Colts Can Defensive Coordinator Larry Coyer