Well, it seems as though Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz owes Indianapolis radio host Jake Query an apology. According to Kravitz's colleague at the Star, beat writer Mike Chappell, the Colts will indeed retain Jim Caldwell as their head coach in 2012. An announcement from the team is expected tomorrow or Wednesday.
Needless to say, this tiny bit of news has created quite a fan backlash. From Phil Wilson:
Colts fan Brendan Kirsch, 33, is an Indianapolis native who still follows the team passionately although work has taken him to Los Angeles and Tampa, Fla. Before this season, Kirsch set up a web site, www.firecoachcaldwell.net, which includes a petition fans can submit. Kirsch admits he hasn’t marketed his site, but the petition has 4,497 names so far, and counting.
...
Kirsch says he’ll keep his site going for as long as Caldwell is head coach. Yeah, Kirsch believes in something other than the company line. And he’s not alone. About one hour after this blog’s posting, he tweeted his petition had 182 more names.
Former-Stampede Blue writer and current Bleacher Report editor Collin McCollough was a bit more blunt in his analysis of the Colts potentially keeping Caldwell:
Again, if Jim Caldwell does indeed return, @JimIrsay absolutely OWES explanation to paying fans.Lest they respond by closing wallets.
— Collin McCollough (@cmccollo) January 16, 2012
Already, media jackals are justifiably laughing and pointing in Irsay's direction.
Jason McIntyre, Jets fan and editor of The Big Lead:
I’m not the biggest Caldwell basher – if not for JC resting starters in the 2nd half of a pivotal game against the Jets late in the 2009 season, New York doesn’t make the playoffs – but I just don’t see how anyone in Indy could be remotely thrilled about this decision.
Indeed, it will be interesting (and perhaps a bit entertaining) to see Irsay sell his seemingly false 'New Era' slogan to fans should he decide to retain a coach that just guided his team to a 2-14 season. In any case, regardless of whether Andrew Luck is drafted No. 1 or not, it's hard to get excited about Indianapolis in 2012 if Caldwell is still around.
And what does this say about new G.M. Ryan Grigson? He stated in his introductory press conference that he will make recommendations to Irsay about Caldwell's future. Should the Query and Chappell reports prove accurate, this either calls into question the decision-making abilities of Grigson, or creates doubt as to whether or not he has true authority over who coaches the Colts. If Grigson recommended firing Caldwell, but Irsay said no, then that kind of makes Grigson look rather foolish, wouldn't you say?
Either way, if the reports are true, Grigson doesn't come away looking good, and Irsay has a lot of tweeting to do if he wants to win back fans.
0 recs | 153 comments
HORRIBLE NEWS
A huge mistake,, he is terrible, 2-14 cannot keep him, we could have won games 2-6 and a few others he sucks and helped us lose the SB and the Jets playoff game!!!!! I am going to go take some Zofran so I do not vomit !!!!! Too many other much better people out there !!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 16, 2012
Can you write me a script for Zofran also?
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
If you make an appt. for a pap and pelvic
have to be an established pt. LOL
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 17, 2012
If that is Grigson's first move it is very POOR!!!!!
a BAD SIGN !!!!! now that makes me worried for the Colt’s future and the draft !!!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 16, 2012
I don't know...
I think keeping Caldwell might be more about a HUGE lack of coaching talent out there than any faith (or lack of faith) the Colts front office may have in Caldwell. We have to keep in mind that different isn’t necessarily better. The fact that teams were fighting over Jeff Fisher pretty much sums it up for me.
At this point, I’m more interested in seeing who the Colts bring in as DC and what that person’s vision is going to be for us moving forward. That, as well as how well Grigson does bringing in quality players for our organization are (in my opinion) two of the most critical things for the Colts right now. If Peyton is able to play and Grigson can put some decent players on our roster then Caldwell has proven that he can take us to the Super Bowl.
NFLFan83 - January 17, 2012
Caldwell has proven that he can take us to the Super Bowl.
he also proved that he can lose it
Phillycolt - January 17, 2012
Strike 1, Mr. Grigson!
TheSpear - January 17, 2012
U should have waited till tomorow to post this
u just ruined many people’s evenings and their sleep patterns tonight !!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 16, 2012
lol
Sorry man.
I’m pissed too.
Brad Wells - January 16, 2012
u had to post it a sad night
keep up the great work!!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 16, 2012
thanks for the link
I just signed the petition and wrote comments there , makes me fell just a little better, still nauseated though!!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 16, 2012
If I thought the petition would actually matter I would but clearly if this is true(and technically its still speculation) then it really doesn’t matter what we think.
I don’t get how a coach that finishes 2-14 when you lose the first 13 games can be allowed to keep their job.
I guess the Colts have to be a bigger laughingstock for Irsay to even bother.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
because,
he convinced Irsay that all of this season’s failures are ‘correctible’.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
Hey
The team just needed to fix the little things in each of those games. That’s not the coach’s fault.
mkehoosier - January 17, 2012
he is calling the plays
or has responsibilty for the O- Cood calling the plays and he could have chosen Orlovsky from the beginning ahead of the terrible CP and he got out- coached bad in the SB and Jets playoff games last year!!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 17, 2012
i urge everyone to sign the petition that is what I am going to do right now!!!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 16, 2012
Baaaaad move...
But the lack of talent is a much bigger issue than Caldwell…they have to nail this draft and manage the Manning situation
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
true
but too many people out there that are much better than CALDBAD
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 16, 2012
Horrible move
I’m sorry but where are ST and DC people the Polian’s wanted to hire? NO!!!! They are people Caldwell brought in and had prior experience with. Were the Polian’s the ones who kept playing Painter when Orlosky should have been starting at least after the bye week? There are so many examples of bad coaching that I could go on and on and on. Caldwell is a puppet and the puppeter has gone from Bill Polian to Jim Irsay now.
IndyColts89 - January 16, 2012
Yes
Totally agree!
vali36 - January 16, 2012
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
coltsfan500 - January 16, 2012
Hire NY Giants Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell as Head Coach
Players love him and he is effective. It wasn’t so much that Eli’s offense won at Green Bay. Sans the mysterious “no fumble” call, Fewell’s defense shut down the Packers and all their discount double-checks. HIRE PERRY FEWELL !!!!
INTP-TX - January 16, 2012
This IS still January, isn't it?
Somebody please tell me this is an April Fools Day joke incredibly early……Wow Peyton really threw some weight around for this plank of wood to be kept. A holy, peace loving puppet, but a plank of wood nevertheless. “Coach” clearly you have been given a “once in a lifetime” chance. Please call Tim Tebow for some additional intercessory prayer My suggestion, over this off-season, is to read as many Tony Dungy books as you can. As wonderful as God is, he sure does have a wild sense of humor sometimes. I certainly didn’t see this coming….nor did most of North America.
IndyColt89 I see you beat me to the puppet reference, but if the shoe fits the puppet……
KappakidToo - January 16, 2012
Keep Manning, Gamble on Skill Not Luck: Take RG3
Renegotiate Peyton to $10M. His health is too risky to keep his current contract. He just received $28M to be a spectator. Peyton and Luck together will just produce an “egostorm-like” divisive atmosphere which will be further damaging. RG3 will be twice as good as Cam Newton. Let him be the understudy. Peyton can serve as player/offensive coordinator. RG3 will force linebackers to choose pass or run. Vick’s wildness allows LBs to cheat for the run. RG3 is more laser accurate than Luck, and he has a much stronger arm and quicker release, and no defenses will be able to handle his dual threat. He has the best long ball arm in years. He also has the Big 12 record in the 400M high hurdles. He has 4.4 speed. Peyton will like the nurture role. RG3 has much less ego and much more character than Luck and will like the understudy role. Can he learn fast? A BS and MS in Poly Sci with a 3.67 GPA in FOUR YEARS? I challenge any current NFL QB to have better classroom numbers.
INTP-TX - January 16, 2012
Not sure I would argue
but it sounds like his (or Luck’s) development could be in the hands of Caldwell and Christensen. Pretty damn depressing if you ask me.
Guy LeDouche - January 16, 2012
Because Caldwell did such an awful job with Peyton, right?
Peter Storgaard - January 17, 2012
Peyton was his own coach, his own best friend.
I was under the impression that Tom Moore had more to do with Peyton’s development than anyone else.
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
Agreed. Saying that Caldwell
did any kind of a ‘job’ with Peyton is ludicrous. Caldwell is a passive puppet who essentially let’s Manning do his thing. Manning, I’m sure, likes that,…….that is, until Caldwell makes a stupid time-out call which loses a critical game. And, throw in the complete failure to make any defensive adjustments, and you get a one and done in the playoffs. Peyton may not know it, but he really needs a good head coach. What do you think Peyton and Jim Harbaugh could accomplish together? The ‘what if’ thought truly saddens me, because the Colts have blown it big time, when it comes to coaching hires.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
It's impossible for him to win
if you give him all of the credit for all of the failures and none of the credit for any of the successes.
I personally don’t think it’s a coincidence that Peyton really came around right after Caldwell arrived. If you look at the numbers, Peyton’s QBR significantly increased after JC arrived.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
I respect your opinion, but disagree.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
He might have...
But I don’t believe for a second that they would have kept Caldwell around as QB coach, if Peyton didn’t feel like he was benefitting from having him around.
I am not saying Caldwell is a great HC. He is a great motivator, the players like him and he might be a great QB coach (noone will ever know how good (or bad) Peyton would have been with a different coach.)
Peter Storgaard - January 17, 2012
Correction...
RG3’s degrees: BS in Poly Sci and MA in Communications.
INTP-TX - January 16, 2012
^^ What he said ^^
I wish they had the balls to do that…
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
I LOVE RG3
Im just worried that his smaller frame won’t hold up to an NFL career. He already blew out one knee in college. At least Luck has a true NFL QB size. RG3 is a little scrawny.
pattymac - January 16, 2012
RG3 is 6'2", 230lbs
Bigger than Drew Brees.
INTP-TX - January 16, 2012
I am really hoping
This means Manning can play and will stay with RG3 as the understudy!
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
And
RG3 gets hit 50 times the amount that Drew Brees. He’s an injury waiting to happen with his style of play and frame.
Coltsfan1345 - January 16, 2012
that makes him one inch taller and 15 lbs
heavier than justin blackmon. after seeing them play i call bullshit on those measurables.
BLOODontheTRACKS - January 16, 2012
Yeah, there’s no way in hell he’s 230 lbs.
Coltsfan1345 - January 16, 2012
Both Baylor's and ESPN's websites
have him at 6’2, 220.
Addai Another Aday - January 16, 2012
that mean nothing
the only time you get an accurate measure is at the combine..and after that they go right back to lying.
BLOODontheTRACKS - January 17, 2012
Familiar with the term "outlier"?
Addai Another Aday - January 16, 2012
well the hell did you get RG3 as less ego and much more character then Luck ?
armycolts25 - January 16, 2012
Are you RG3's agent, or just a troll?
Give me an example of Luck’s ego and Griffin’s lack of one. Also, twice as good as Cam Newton, really?
It's Magc - January 17, 2012
no,no,no,no,no.............
i appreciate and respect your opinion, but this style doesn’t work. please go back and review the history books. there has only been a few guys to mesh this style, eg. john elway and steve young. the difference in these guys is that they were actually great in the pocket as well. these players have been popping up more frequently because of college offensive schemes. it rarely translates to the pros for a consistant winning style. i know cam looked like a world beater this year but (as far as i’m concerned) the jury is still out. do we want SB’s or 10 wins a year? i would rather have the SB’s. about the caldwell issue: this blows! it’s already looking like irsay is making business decisions with his heart instead of his head. this is a contradiction to his firing of the polians. keeping manning and caldwell is pointless. neither have a place in “rebuilding” this franchise. irsay has stated his affection for both men and seems to have chosen our new GM to comply with his vision. did grigson pick up on this in the interview and tell irsay what he wanted to hear? was grigson so desperate for the job that he is willing to be a puppet? either way, my overwhelming optimism for our future has just been dashed. it was a great couple of weeks….
12over18 - January 17, 2012
my thoughts on keeping Caldwell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31g0YE61PLQ
andyprocombat - January 16, 2012
Brad you've been wrong more than right
This just solidifies to me why you’re a blogger and not a GM or involved in any football decision making at all. You haven’t been impartial in years and called Caldwell and clown a puppet who has no part in the decision making process for the Colts until Polian was fired. Then you set your sights on Caldwell and made it sound like he was the reason for the Colts debacle that was their 2011 season.
There is no reason to make a coaching change this year. Did you review 100 hours of film and review exactly what decisions JC made? No. I can’t believe you’re running Grigson out of town already. You’re incredible…
Mark Olson - January 16, 2012
I'm sorry Mark
But if this is Grigson’s first decision as GM, my confidence in his ability to make sound decisions for this club has plummeted. There is absolutely no rational to keep “Radio” (as another blogger called him) around.
There is no reason to make a change? Are you serious. This team is so unprepared on game days it is frightening. He should do the right thing and just step down. The only way I would be OK with this is if they give Pete Carmichael a pay raise to be OC and grab Spags to be the DC.
This hurts more than a little bit. Mr. Irsay and Mr. Grigson, you are off to a terrible start. I keep hoping this isn’t true but now I want to just vomit. If a head coach isn’t responsible for a 2-14 season then who is? Uggggghhhhhhhhhhh! This is just sickening. Peyton’s neck isn’t the cause of a losing season. Caldwell, if he were any kind of head coach with eyes, could’ve easily said this…“Mr. Irsay, Curtis Painter is not a viable backup to PM, he looks terrible in practice and was terrible the last two times he got extended playing time. Here are a couple of guys we should go after” See, not so hard. He is over his head and it is a shame we miss out on some very good head coaching prospects…..
Dito29 - January 16, 2012
Honestly I don’t think this is Grigson’s decision at all. Irsay had no intention of ditching Caldwell I’m convinced if it right now.
This might also be why other GM candidates opted not to agree to interview for this job…..
CF4L - January 16, 2012
AGREE
vali36 - January 16, 2012
A 39 year old will do anything to get that job.
I fear that Grigson is nothing more than a puppet too.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
From what I hear, Caldwell is very well respected around the league
He gets lots of praise from other organizations. I’m going to go out on a hunch and bet you’ve never been in team meetings, the locker room, or film study with the guy. Anyone can be a ‘Monday Morning GM’. I’ll trust the new guy and his decision making until I see evidence that he’s inept.
How do you know Caldwell didn’t tell BP he needed a better backup QB? I would say the fact that the guy got 0 practice reps might be evidence he had no faith in Painter even if he did end up in a starting role. I never heard BP say ‘we should have had a better backup in place’ it was instead ‘I should have had a better backup in place.’ There’s a very good chance JC was battling for this all along and after seeing painter BP finally gave in and gave Caldwell the man he wanted in Kerry Collins. The problem is that BP relented 2 months too late.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Misdirected anger
Caldwell isn’t responsible for the losing season, Peyton’s neck is the real reason.
CheesusKrust - January 16, 2012 via mobile
Apparently that’s what Irsay believes. :(
Guy LeDouche - January 16, 2012
I agree
All of this is knee jerk. It’s clear the Colts talent the last few years has suffered and Chris Polians increasing role was inversely coordinated with player quality. It’s also clear that Bill Polian’s relationship with fans and media was becoming poisonous.
Firing Caldwell solves nothing. The coaching pool this year is thin. One great thing about keeping Caldwell another year is to show an incoming coach next year, what he really has to work with. Indy is drawing NO ONE this year.
Mark Olson - January 16, 2012
I do agree with you there...
Look at the head coaching pool right now…for PETE SAKES everyone and their mother was excited about JEFF FISHER!>? Do we really want to trade mediocre coach for a mediocre coach? NO sir! I guess i’m on board with giving Caldwell ONE last year to get his shit together. If they don’t win a SB next year, send him packing and begin the rebuilding process.
pattymac - January 16, 2012
Problem is
Irsay said we are rebuilding now…
Dito29 - January 16, 2012
^^^exactly^^^^^
12over18 - January 17, 2012
What?
Mark, that’s an absurd remark! there are many talented oc and dc’s out there! This is Irsay and PM running the show, rather than the man who was hired to do so, the new GM!
vali36 - January 16, 2012
i disagree
i believe there is a revolving door of talented coaches in the league. this is the the top of the mountain and everyone is trying to get there. not sure of your FB affiliation but i doubt you have heard of many of the current coaches before they were famous. i think this has more to do with the poor decision to keep manning. irsay has basically said he thinks of PM like family and he wants to keep him and make him happy. PM likes caldwell therefore he stays. i also think caldwell is probably a very likable guy and he is a long time colt. irsay is making emotional decisions right now and he wants to hold on to his loyal dog.
12over18 - January 17, 2012
You are right
You are 100% right….if Peyton Manning was there the whole year we would have had a whole lot better record…..and no one would asking for Caldwell’s head…..
Colts53 - January 16, 2012
Speak for yourself he should’ve never been hired to begin with. We should’ve fired him last season and gotten Jim Harbaugh if this team had any real vision. I mean really the guy was 29-63 in college. When you lose more games than you win you are not cut out for head coach. That’s not something to be ashamed of Wade Phillips great coordinator but awful coach.
Caldwell is worse. I don’t care who you are you don’t start the season 0-13 and possibly go winless only to keep your job.
This was a great opportunity to move forward.
What a waste if this is true.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
Why do we continually say College success has nothing to do with NFL success
and vise versa, but then assume something Caldwell did back in the 90s must translate to what he will do going forward. Have you ever tried to recruit at Wake Forest? If you’re not an excellent recruiter you’re going to fail. He has a 14-2 season under his belt in the NFL with the 2 losses coming as the backups played away. Many coaches with even the greatest NFL players couldn’t match that. His defense even struggled last year, but the offense was so smooth it was unbeatable. Was Don Shula bad because he couuldn’t get it done with Marino?
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Probably because he had an entire season without Manning to define him to show us what he can do as coach which clearly isn’t much since they went 2-14(the polar opposite of said 14-2 record two years ago) and lost the first 13 games in the process.
If that’s acceptable to you then clearly you don’t have high standards for this team that’s supposed to be an SB contender not the one trick pony it truly is.
CF4L - January 17, 2012
^^very valid point^^
BUT, what makes caldwell terrible is his decision making and the people he has brought on board. he himself admitted coyer didn’t fit the system, ooops! big fucking oops at this level on this team. it’s debatable as to the ST guy but the fact is he’s gone too. factor in the bad clock mgmnt. and his lack of creativity and it adds up to average at best. at such an important time in the franchise, why would you want average?
12over18 - January 17, 2012
Average at best?
He fails at every area of importance. How is that even remotely average? The choice for management is an easy one. Do you keep the worst coach in NFL history, or do you fire the worst coach in NFL history? I vote for option number two.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
I started a fire Caldwell Facebook page after 09 week 16.
It's Magc - January 17, 2012
OK then...
A healthy Manning is the ONLY reason Caldwell has ever won in the NFL. Never was qualified for the job, which is most peoples main issue. And has made poor decisions in key games or stands there and does nothing on the sideline.
xball6 - January 16, 2012
Point is moot
CheesusKrust - January 17, 2012 via mobile
I'm not sure what to make of this...
Either Grigson is a straight bitch with Irsay and Manning’s hands in his ass, or maybe it really is true that Bill Polian and his ginger bitch son Chris wouldn’t allow Caldwell to open up the playbook. I know this sounds stupid, but after playing madden a few times over this past week I have found that Indy’s playbook is far inferior to everyone elses. The run plays are not blocked creatively and passing routes are quite vanilla when compared to a team like the 49ers or the Giants. I think everyone can agree that this team needs a shot of adrenaline and it looks like keeping Caldwell is more about continuity than beginning a new era. I’m very interested to see how this all shakes out. My last thought is that maybe keeping caldwell is more about making Peyton happy and comfortable, if so, Peyton is going to need a SERIOUS paycut to be able to make one last run at a ring. Keeping Caldwell at this point is a very shortsighted approach to a longterm problem. If the team keeps Peyton they are going to have to resign Reggie, Robert, and Pierre. Not to mention ACTUALLY address the total renovation of the Defensive interior/backfield.
The bad feeling I had after watching Grigson stumble and bumble his way throught that first press conference is starting to work it’s way into a full blown distrust for the decision making of this organization.
pattymac - January 16, 2012
Wow INTP-TX
…Didn’t know that about RGIII’s GPA and studies. Can’r wait to see how he does in the Wonderlic. I suggested earlier in the year that some consideration made made toward drafting him after trading down. This is even better news. Still and all, you know the Colts will draft Luck. But it does give more ammunition to put toward the debate about trading down. Now get back to the discussion at hand. After all, we are talking about Jim Caldwell’s incredibly rise out of the ashes. I just knew, after all the bungled time-outs, onside kick blunders, and sticking with actress Curtis Painter, that he was undeniably going to be toasted.
KappakidToo - January 16, 2012
My only concern for drafting RG3...
He has already blown out a knee at the collegiate level. Look at a guy like Donovan Mcnabb. Knee injuries ended his career and he ACTUALLY has the size of an NFL QB. RG3 has all the intangibles to be a transformational quarterback in the NFL, but i dont know if his body is ready to take a beating like a running QB does in the modern game.
pattymac - January 16, 2012
RG3 is 6'2", 230lbs
bigger than Drew Brees…and BTW, all QBs are one maiming James Harrison hit away from veggie states…..
INTP-TX - January 16, 2012
See My Perry Fewell Post Above?
Hire Fewell as HC, can Christensen, let Peyton be player/OC.
INTP-TX - January 16, 2012
Let's be real here...
Let’s say the Colts fire Caldwell… Who do they get as their head coach? Realistically, this seemed like the best option for this year. Caldwell will have to work with an aging Manning or Andrew Luck. Having Jim Caldwell as coach isn’t life ending nor does it guarantee another 2-14 season. This is the best option for now but if Caldwell doesn’t turn this around then I GUARANTEE there will be a coaching change next year as more applicable coaches will be available, I’m sure
Omegabyss - January 16, 2012
Exactly...
I can think of a ton of reasons to fire Caldwell that happened before the 2011 season…but w fisher off the market there is no coach out there that is a good fit. If any of you say “Gruden” or “Cowher” then I question your football knowledge and you probably watch too much ESPN. The bottom line is there is no point in canning Caldwell just for the sake of doing it. There needs to be a long term plan in place when you replace him, and there just isn’t one available this year. Fire Caldwell, but have a plan is place.
nakinate - January 16, 2012
What about Billeck?
If Caldwell is fired, he will be my favorite for the job
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Pete Carmichael is
a better option, Perry Fewell, Joe Philbin, Mike Zimmer, Mike Singletary, my cousin, your cousin, his cousin, ANYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dito29 - January 16, 2012
Singletary??
you’re joking right? Just trying to make a point, I hope. :)
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
Irsay went with a first time GM
Why wouldn’t they go that route for a head coach this year?? There are plenty of young, talented coordinators/position coaches that could bring some life and energy and balls to the head coaching position.
As I posted in another thread, Caldwell’s had 3 winning seasons in 11 as a head coach and 2 of those seasons were with a Super Bowl caliber roster and a HOF QB. His first season without Manning and the was this close to a winless season.
Why would you keep him around?? Is that the kind of coach (and staff) you want rebuilding this team??
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
I Don't Get That Logic, Omegabyss.....
You mean, that if Caldwell doesn’t turn it around after the year this team had, with an injured Peyton Manning, you’re going to let him go then? Haven’t we ALREADY seen enough? He may be a good QB coach, but HEAD COACH? C’mon……….MAN!!
KappakidToo - January 16, 2012
That’s partially what I am saying. I won’t say it would be “unfair” to fire him with a Manning-less Colts team. I mean, there was little talent there thanks to the Polian drafting. There just isn’t anybody out there at the moment that would be a long term fix. If Caldwell DOES turn it around and say, wins the division, then more power to him, keep him. But if another lost season happens, then expect change. Regardless of what people say, he took the Colts to the Super Bowl. It’s a new era and the changes are coming eventually.
Omegabyss - January 16, 2012
Manning took them there.
Caldwell contributed to helping them lose it.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
Cmon guys, you saw this coming
Caldwell was PM’s QB coach. He knows the system as well as PM. IF PM stays, then Caldwell stays. PM is too long in the tooth to learn another system (no doubt he could), but he and this staff know this system inside out. This further bolsters the belief that PM stays this year
GotDebt - January 16, 2012
I rather have PM leave if it means Caldwell is history. We need a real coach. Caldwell is just a road to nowhere.
I could care less if PM hates it if he wants another ring like I think he does he better be willing to make that concession. Great QBs have great coaches alongside them.
Brady/Belichick, Montana/Walsh…
Why can’t we have that with our great QB.
I don’t blame Luck if he demands a trade on draft day smartest move he’ll ever make.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
I don't want Caldwell...
But I don’t understand why Brad is taking a shot at The new GM when we know it’s not his decision not was Dungy or hiring Caldwell. Is the goal to have acrimony with the colts FO?
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
Either way
Mr. Grigson lost some credibility. If he wanted Caldwell, that is just plain alarming. If he didn’t want Caldwell and couldn’t convince Mr. Irsay that Caldwell needs to go, then the Colts are in real trouble. This team is going to be, old, slow, unathletic/untalented, and horrendous in no time.
Dito29 - January 16, 2012
This is no way to start the new era of Colts football
The only way this will at all be palatable is for a change in the OC. I’d include a change of the DC, but the way the D played after Coyer was fired earned Murphy a shot as DC.
MadStork - January 16, 2012
Get ready for
another year of clueless stares, piss-poor clock management, and zero ability to adjust to things that are happening in the games.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
I am going to wait until something official is released.
Odin1980 - January 16, 2012
GotDebt is Right......
This signals, without a doubt, the decision to keep Manning on the team. I was all for PM staying any way…..just without “Coach” Caldwell.
KappakidToo - January 16, 2012
@$%# - Caldwell the Puppet - Move the team out of Indy
He was given a golden goose when he took over and he couldn’t do crap with it. The only reason he got the job, was because he was carrying Tony Dungy’s jock strap. Polian’s wanted a puppet so they could control all decisions. It’s funny how they kept saying year after year, “we need draft some more offensive lineman” Our line couldn’t protect anyone if their life depended on it. Painter playing more than half the season was a joke. But keeping Puppet Man Caldwell tops if off. Irsay I hope you plan on moving the team, because the direction you are taking us, SUCKS!
Madden90 - January 16, 2012
Move the team...
Very mature and reasonable
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
Coordinators
I hope they give him new oc and dc
scodig88 - January 16, 2012
Even though this isn't official,
I am instantly upset. Irsay has been preaching a new start and essentially realizing a bad investment and when to cut your losses, and then he goes and does the opposite. Look I understand all the players like Caldwell and think he’s a good guy, but that doesn’t make him a good coach by any means. You think Patriots players play as hard as they can because Belichick is a nice guy? No, he’s the opposite of that, he is respected and has worked his way to the top and proved why he should be there, unlike Caldwell who is the Polian Puppet, now sans-Polians. I feel bad for Luck, RG3, or any QB we do draft because they have to learn from a complete shmuck and his round of goons. Losing the Polians was a big step, but it’s bittersweet without Caldwell kicking rocks. I can’t even further explain how disgusted I am with this decision, Irsay, I am losing faith before the season or draft has even started. This may be rash but desperate times call for desperate measures. I hope fans make themselves heard and that something changes. There are plenty of great candidates out there and we are stuck with a guy who doesn’t know when to call timeouts, shows no expression no matter what the situation, and by my guess probably gives a horrible halftime speech, and hasn’t proved to anyone why he should be holding the position he holds. Thanks for making me pull my hair out.
miketyson - January 16, 2012
Also
Look at the revitalization in San Francisco after adding Coach Harbaugh. And to think we have to progress forward with this bum? Once again the Colts organization takes one step forward and two backward. Bravo!
miketyson - January 16, 2012
Well I would like to see Luck drafted..but not now
Not with this current coaching staff, let’s all hope Manning is good to go. If Manning is back, then there is no point in drafting Luck or any other young QB. Manning does not share practice time with his back up, resign Dan O and hope he can instruct a young QB in being a back up.
armycolts25 - January 16, 2012
No point? Really?
What makes you think he’s going to be healthy I’m not real confident he will be. The Colts should take Luck and let Manning go because he’s not going to be worth $28 million too much money invested in an aging QB. We have so many other holes to fill.
I agree about Keeping Dan O and ditch Painter.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
Hey I want Luck
But if Manning is back and we paid all that money he’s playing for us for the next four years. He would be very hard to trade because of cap numbers. Luck would ride the bench and would not develope.
armycolts25 - January 16, 2012
I wouldn’t trade Manning I’d let him go because he’s a 36 year old QB who’s had three neck surgeries. What makes you think he’ll be the same QB as before?
If this season has taught us anything its that life without Manning is pretty bad and whille we know he won’t last forever the future is sooner than expected.
You take Luck and let Manning go and use the money to fill the other holes on this team.
If Caldwell is the coach its not going to matter who the QB is we’re going nowhere.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
I agree, I say let Manning go but with Caldwell coming back
I think Manning will be back and we will go thru this all over again in four years and we won’t have a first pick in the draft.
armycolts25 - January 16, 2012
Four numbers.
0 and 13. 62 to 7.
Sigh.
DeepThought - January 16, 2012
I am actually excited. Seriously
This will be the first time in league history a team adds a timeout management coordinator, and an in-game adjustment coordinator. Groundbreaking.
jackj7 - January 16, 2012
Me to
I can’t wait to see the Masterful decisions unfold by one of the true masterminds of the NFL coaching elite. To see him prowl the sidelines like a Lion stalking his prey, That stealy glare in his eye like a hawk going in for the kill. His fierce competative nature which makes his players fear returning to the sidelines after underacheiving. His supurp selections of DC and STC will again make us a top ranked defense and special teams powerhouse. With a leader of his caliber, Colts are odds on favorite to win the SB!!! I can’t wait for the start of the next season!!!!
shoospa - January 17, 2012
Should we take this as evidence that Peyton will be back?
infinityzero.systemerror - January 16, 2012
Yes!!!!
Dito29 - January 16, 2012
I hope they fire everyone down to the janitor
Just because I am curious to see what boogeyman you chatty cathy’s whine about then.
indylator - January 16, 2012
caldwell is trash
we are going to waste a year
omahacolt - January 16, 2012
Yep and if Manning returns its another wasted year of his career.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
mannings career is done
omahacolt - January 16, 2012
Well its highly possible but I said “If” he returns.
Of course that could also mean in general (NFL)
CF4L - January 17, 2012
what?
If Caldwell is being kept, I can picture every colt fan going peyton-like after caldwell decided to call a timeout against the jets last year. I hope it is untrue because caldwell show his worthiness this season. If that it is true, I hope they peyton go because he does not deserve a coach like that.
k1 - January 16, 2012
This is why the Colts should’ve gone 0-16 apparently that’s what it would take for this guy to be fired.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
I'm thinking
Luck pulls an Eli Manning. Why would he want to come here with manning and Caldwell????
Dito29 - January 16, 2012
I wouldn’t blame him if that’s the case I mean really it would be wasting his career as well. I don’t fault players for pulling an Elway/Eli because at the end of the day the owners don’t care about you either.
These guys have a limited time frame why waste it on a team who clearly is clueless.
CF4L - January 16, 2012
Jim Tressel special teams coach
armycolts25 - January 16, 2012
I dont like Caldwell and piling on has been fun but...
I think he is more respected by the players and owner than we give him credit for. Irsay isn’t an idiot showing by his willingness to fire Polian.
I hope this report is wrong and Caldwell gets clipped…but the talent or lack of on this roster is the more pressing issue. There are not many stud coaches in the NFL. Kubiak is a prime example, he didn’t get smart all of a sudden the Texans just got more talent…Coughlin was coaching for his job three weeks ago! You are not finding a Harbaugh in the current pool…
I really wanted Zimmer but…Hopefully they get some better coordinators and dump the Cover 2 and the strategy of drafting soft undersized players. If they dont get some talent this is a one man team if Manning stays and a horrible team if he goes…
I’m angry but willing to be patient and realistic as fans and bloggers don’t know all of the information
It still sucks though… :-(
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
Best post I've seen today
Caldwell has so much respect around the locker room it’s hard to fire him. And honestly, people are quick to blame Polian for not having enough talent on the team,. but then Caldwell gets all the blame after Polian’s gone? Double standards. The team is clearly substandard: Almost all the Pro Bowlers we had played poorly this year, and apparently Caldwell had no power. Besides, whos in the coaching pool anyway?
ColtRock - January 16, 2012
Its early to second guess the FO
I don’t agree with the decision, but I am working with maybe 10% of the total information…Dungy would have only won 4-5 games with this team sans Manning…
At the end of the day I have my opinions but respect that the owner and GM know what thu are doing…their goal is to win not to lose so we will just have to suck it up and hope that we are wrong and Caldwell becomes a really good coach
(206)NightRidah - January 16, 2012 via mobile
I have no problem with this
This is a year of transition and uncertainty and keeping Caldwell is acceptable. The players love him and play hard for him. This also helps with whatever the QB situation is. Also, there are no sure-fire substitutes out there to replace him and you don’t fire him unless you are certain his replacement is an improvement.
JTBLA - January 16, 2012
I guess Grigson liked what he heard in the meeting.
I was hoping for a Zimmer or Carmichael, too. But, it’ll be interesting to see how Caldwell coaches when he has a little more freedom. It seems pretty obvious that Polian wouldn’t let him play who he wanted (Tryon, etc.). It goes back to the Parcells quote. It seems like Caldwell wasn’t allowed to shop, cook, or use the groceries.
Addai Another Aday - January 16, 2012
Wow
Simply awful.
Are we still starting a new era and rebuilding? I guess not. I’m honestly fearing that Luck’s going to pull an Eli now.
Coltsfan1345 - January 16, 2012
Whos still in the coaching pool?
Im with the guys who say Perry Fewell!! Which is why I would of loved to see Marc Ross here as well. Look at all the talent over there and the way they get it done.
BiggRedd - January 16, 2012
Grigson merely a puppet
This has PM and Irsay’s prints all over it. PM wants continuity, familiarity, and someone to stay out of his way as coach, hence JC returns. If not PM, then Irsay forced this down Grigson throat. He is clearly a GM in name only. Polian meddling now replaced by idiot Irsay!
vali36 - January 16, 2012
If Irsay really keeps Caldwell,
he’s just as much of a lunatic as I always thought he was. What a total moron.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
But even you, bbs, have to admit
that this increases the possibility of Peyton coming back. With this news, we aren’t in rebuilding mode or starting a new era (as we should) at all.
Coltsfan1345 - January 16, 2012
I went back and read the Chappell
article. All this stuff about Caldwell is a gut feeling of his. Nothing is concrete yet, as I interpret it. I’m going to calm down a bit, because Caldwell may still well be on his way out. I just can’t believe that Irsay could be that stupid, as to keep him.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
Thank you!
It was his opinion!!!
Odin1980 - January 16, 2012
I feel like all this waiting
isnt a good sign though. I feel like if he was going to be let go, youd do it sooner rather than later. Which is why I do think hes coming back and im pretty bummed about it. I mean look we did go 14-0 under his coaching, I do feel like we could have it way worse, this definitely is not a long term coach for the colts though.
BiggRedd - January 16, 2012
The 14-0 was all Manning.
All Caldwell did, through his monumental incompetence, was make sure that we didn’t go 19-0.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
Dude lets be honest
It wasnt all manning. Alot of it, of course. No head coach plays 0% of a role. I know its best to pretend like he plays 0% of the role, but thats not the case. Trust me im not trying to support him being here. I dont think hes the worst scenario if in fact Manning is coming back though. Which again, still isnt an endorsement.
BiggRedd - January 16, 2012
It wasn't?
Hmmm. Well, my reply to that is, look what happens when Manning is taken out of the mix. Hardly an inspiring sight, is it?
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
Lol absolutely not
But to say Caldwell played no role in the colts record (good or bad) is insane. By your logic we could just field Peyton Manning on the practice field, the film room, the coaches meetings, and the actual game on sunday and we would of went 14-0…Like I said I get that its funnier to give him no credit, but lets be real here.
And ok, if Caldwell totally sucks unless Mannings in, and Manning winds up coming back this year then the Colts should be absolutely fine right? Expect 14-0 or damn close to it again?
BiggRedd - January 16, 2012
Whenever Manning is healthy and playing well,
I expect an incredible regular season record, despite the foolish coach. However, I don’t know about you, but the one and dones are getting old. Maybe with a coach that actually helps the team, instead of hampers them, greater things would be possible.
Ayrshire - January 16, 2012
Hey I totally agree
And I want Caldwell out as well. At least demoted to something else.
BiggRedd - January 16, 2012
Not cool
the way some of you are already bad mouthing Grigson just because of Caldwell. Look, John Gruden would sell his soul to coach Peyton Manning. He pretty much said so on national TV. For him to not lobby for the Colts HC position, should tell you what he thinks next year is going to be like. It’s probably going to be awful, with the whole Manning and Luck co-existing and cutting all our favorite veterans. It’s a no win situation.
GrizzColt - January 16, 2012
Its even funnier that hes being badmouthed based on speculation...
Odin1980 - January 16, 2012
People
keep saying the players play hard for Caldwell. That is a mute point since most of those “hard playing” players will not be there anymore!!!! Please Mr. Irsay, let Caldwell go!!!!!
Dito29 - January 16, 2012
I'm OK with it
This makes sense for a couple reasons:
1) If Manning is back, won’t have to deal with as much change.
2) I want to see how Caldwell does when he gets to choose the starters.
NW_Colts_Fan - January 16, 2012
Mixed emotions
On one hand I’m happy. NO more Luck coming to Indy. Neckbeard and Daddy will NEVER come here with Caldwell as HC. Time to pull the time honored Stanford tradition! I won’t play for you! Ok by me, Wasn’t my choice to start with. But I really can’t say as I blame him in this case. Why would anyone want to come and play for Caldwell??? If they felt bad for “RADIO” why not make him the team manager? The way he coaches it would not a big step down. We are in for another long year!
shoospa - January 17, 2012
I think this confirms that Manning will be back
As long as Manning is on the field it won’t really matter who the coach is, because Manning will be in charge. And if he is unable to play then Peyton himself will be tapped as head coach.
Either way, Caldwell is just a place-keeper. He’s just a warm body keeping the chair warm until Manning takes over.
the_iowa_hawkeye - January 17, 2012
??
I agree Manning will be back. But HEAD COACH! Your dreaming, He has less credentials than Caldwell. I think thers more to being a HC than being a GREAT QB. I am also a Hawkeye. I heard Farentz name was tossed around! Would have been awesome choice!!!
shoospa - January 17, 2012
It would seem that Peyton has been the head coach all along
And he did a better job of it than did Caldwell. And yes, I would love for Ferentz to move along from Iowa.
the_iowa_hawkeye - January 17, 2012
In my most optimistic view possible
The only reasons I can see for retaining Caldwell are that Polian was influencing decisions far beyond his scope as GM and Irsay believes Caldwell made the best of situations he had little control over. This is likely good news for Peyton Manning’s health as there truly is no need for Caldwell if the Colts were going to flush Manning for Luck. A week ago I would have told you Manning was gone for cap reasons and the Colts were going to tap Luck to start the show all over again but now I’m scared they’re going to deal the #1 pick.
ATX Colts Fan - January 17, 2012
Dungy influence?
Don’t you think that Jim Irsay has had some “consultants” to talk to regarding all the decisions he has made and will have to make? I’ve always wondered if he called Dungy to ask for advice, as I believe Irsay would see him as a trusted confidante. Now, if Irsay asked Tony what he thought he should do with Caldwell, what do you think Tony would say?
Just sayin’
Econolinevan - January 17, 2012
The last person on the planet
the Colts should be getting advice from is Dungy. Dungy is the reason that clueless stooge is standing on the sidelines every week.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
This^^
(206)NightRidah - January 17, 2012 via mobile
exactly
That’s my point. I didn’t say whether or not Tony should be consulted, just guessing that maybe he has been – and if he has – he would recommend keeping JC since he put him there in the first place.
Econolinevan - January 17, 2012
Wouldn’t surprise me we have him to thank for this mess.
Dungy you chose to retire let the Colts move on without you. Irsay is a moron to even consult him about this to begin with
CF4L - January 17, 2012
This only makes sense if Manning is coming back...
otherwise it’s one of the dumbest moves in the history of the NFL.
The guy is 2-16 without Manning. He’s had 4 different QBs and couldn’t win without the GOAT. At least Irsay can point to his college head coaching record… oh wait…
Yougotme - January 17, 2012
Manning would do just as well
if not better under a good head coach everyone sign the petition have to make your voice heard if u don’t then u shouldn’t complain,, just like voting if you vote and your candidate does not win at least u have the right to complain!!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 17, 2012
OK. IF THEY'RE GONNA DO THIS.......
I’m right there with a lot of ya in saying this guy should’ve been sent packin’. Others have lost their jobs for far less. Caldwell, you must be livin’ right. All i’ve got to say is this….. They had better watch this guy and his associates, and if 2012 starts looking like another one of those seasons, then i’d like to see how far Irsay can kick him out the door. The front office blew this one, they’d better not jack up the draft as well.
STARCHILD66 - January 17, 2012
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