1972 Baltimore Colts season
The 1972 Baltimore Colts season was the 20th season for the team in the National Football League. They finished with 5 wins and 9 losses, third in the AFC East.
| 1972 Baltimore Colts season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Robert Irsay |
| General manager | Joe Thomas |
| Head coach | Don McCafferty (1–4) John Sandusky (4–5) (interim) |
| Home field | Memorial Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 5–9 |
| Division place | 3rd AFC East |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | C Bill Curry LB Ted Hendricks KR Bruce Laird |
Robert Irsay, who had recently taken over the Los Angeles Rams, traded ownership of the NFL franchises with Colts' owner Carroll Rosenbloom, with players and coaching staffs remaining intact. Rosenbloom had previously wanted to move the Colts to Tampa, but was turned down by the league.
However, the Colts were getting older and started 1–4 before third-year head coach Don McCafferty was fired by new general manager Joe Thomas. In their final nine games under interim head coach John Sandusky, Baltimore won four to finish at 5–9, their first losing mark in sixteen seasons. The entire coaching staff was let go after the season concluded.