Whitney Curtis - Getty Images
5 months ago: ST. LOUIS, MO - JANUARY 1: St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo stands on the field in the second half of the game against the San Francisco 49ers on January 1, 2012 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers defeated the Rams 34-27. (Photo by Whitney Curtis/Getty Images)
Even though this might upset Bob Kravitz to the point where he starts insulting my mother on Twitter, Stampede Blue is reporting to you, our loyal and semi-patient readers, that sources have informed us that Jim Caldwell will indeed return as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. We have no additional information on a potential contract extension for Caldwell, who enters 2012 as a lame duck coach.
We have also been told by these sources that the Colts have reached out to former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo to join the team as the defensive coordinator. Spagnuolo was fired this month by the Rams after two years. Prior to that, he was the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, and was instrumental in transforming their Super Bowl winning defense. Spagnuolo worked for the Eagles as an assistant before landing the Giants gig.
This information from our sources is consistent with Irsay's private airplane's travel schedule in recent days. Per our friend Laura Callaway (a.k.a., @Lovinblue), who tracks Irsay's travel on her Twitter site and for the fansite Colts Authority:
Irsay's plane scheduled to fly to St. Louis and back today. #Colts
— LovinBlue (@LovinBlue) January 16, 2012
Irsay's plane scheduled to return to St. Louis at 6:30pm. Not sure if that bodes well if there was an interviewer on board... #Colts
— LovinBlue (@LovinBlue) January 16, 2012
You can use the website flightaware.com to track Irsay's private plane.
While the reports of Caldwell returning in 2012 have generated a collective groan from the Colts fanbase, the acquisition of Spagnuolo, who worked with new Colts general manger Ryan Grigson when both were with the Philadelphia Eagles, seems like a very positive hire.
We'll see how things play out. But, for us at Stampede Blue, this information is solid, and we hope to have a confirmation from the team shortly.
[UPDATE]: We've contacted the Colts and asked for a comment on the Caldwell and Spagnuolo story. No reply, yet.
[UPDATE 2]: The Colts have responded back to us, and have offered no comment. In case you care, this is a big change from the norm. Under the previous regime, the Colts just ignored us. To get a response, and to get it as quickly as we got it this one, was a happy and welcome change.
[UPDATE 3]: The Colts just announced on their website's blog that Jim Caldwell has been fired. No word yet on the Spagnuolo story. It's possible he's being brought in as the new head coach. In any case, our sources (along with Mike Chappell's, Phil Wilson's, and Jake Query's) were wrong about Caldwell staying. Personally, I'm kind of glad they were. I didn't want Caldwell back as head coach. Regarding how everyone from the Colts beat writer to a lowly blogger like me could get this story so WRONG, SI's Will Carroll offers this:
Something makes me think that the Caldwell "flip-flop" was Grigson running a leak test. Well played.
That's certainly plausible. I don't believe the people who spoke to me lied. In any case, Caldwell is now gone. I guess this means we really are entering a 'New Era.'
[UPDATE 4]: Jay Glazer confirms our earlier report that Spagnuolo did indeed interview for the Colts defensive coordinator position.
0 recs | 150 comments
Surely they won't give Caldwell an extension.
ColtsGM9001 - January 17, 2012
Although they didn't do very well this last season
I feel like Spagnuolo got a bad rap for something that wasn’t his fault at all. He made their defense competent, and the front office is responsible for the fact that Sam Bradford has zero weapons. It’s not like the Rams were going to become powerhouse contenders in two years. I think getting him to be the Colts’ D-Coordinator would be awesome.
Sir Sci - January 17, 2012
RE: Spagnuolo
I LIKE THAT (Adam from workaholics voice)
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
that show is awesome....
Odin1980 - January 17, 2012
topher should be a regular
BLOODontheTRACKS - January 17, 2012
Alright Alright!
This would make me happy knowing that Caldwell will have at least one good coordinator who could be called up as the head coach if Caldwell bungles it again.
Odin1980 - January 17, 2012
I have not been a fan of Caldwell since he took over as HC.
I just expect to see more emotion from the on-the-field leader of a professional football team. I also think that many of his in-game decisions have been suspect and that he is regularly out-coached, especially in big games.
Maybe it really was the case that Caldwell was stymied/intimidated/controlled by Polian and without BP and “Toxic” Chris around Jimmy Irsay thinks Caldwell can get it done.
Maybe a real defensive guru like Spags will be enough, but keeping Caldwell will not be popular with the fan base.
With that being said I will not pretend that I know more about the situation than Jim Irsay, so I will not bitch and whine if he decides to keep Caldwell.
Oh, who am I kidding? Fire that bum!!!
EVLGNUS - January 17, 2012
Caldwell returns?- UGH
Spags coming here- Well it makes the Caldwell news easier to take but still Caldwell sucks and he must go
CF4L - January 17, 2012
FYI everyone
Just like with the Manning injury report in 2010 (which was 1005 accurate, thank you), if our sources are wrong and feeding us bogus info, yours truly will write an article begging your forgiveness, and I will submit himself to have virtual bricks thrown at his face by all the people who like to troll me for being a supposed rumor whore.
But, the sources are solid and haven’t steered us wrong in the past. And no, I won’t tell you who they are. Personally, I hate quoting from or referencing anonymous sources, but that’s the business we work in.
As always, thanks for reading.
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
1005 is pretty damn accurate
FatDT - January 17, 2012
Very accurate
1005% accurate. :)
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
Who will we be throwing bricks at again?
dezznutz1001 - January 17, 2012
Caldwell released.
Per Colts.com.
Better get on that.burc - January 17, 2012
This
make the non-firing of Caldwell sting less. Jim Caldwell, HC: Offense. Steve Spagnuolo, HC: Defense.
Addai Another Aday - January 17, 2012
correction
Peyton Manning, HC: Offense
Steve Spagnuolo, HC: Defense
Jim Caldwell, caretaker: Donuts
FatDT - January 17, 2012
Donuts can cure a lot of problems.
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
Favorite donut?
Mine is blueberry cake. They are my crack.
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
worst donut ever!
but i still eat them because, shit, it’s a donut right?
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
I personally prefer
Bavarian cream filled butterscotch long johns, but Coconut honeybuns are a close 2nd…
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Next time you are in Indy
Find time to go to Long’s Bakery for the best donuts you’ve ever had in your life. You’re welcome.
FatDT - January 17, 2012
truth
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
Bavarian cream filled butterscotch
Damn!
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
Cake with chocolate icing for me
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
glad to see a couple of you all like cake donuts
i use to work in speedway, and we would get longs pretty regularly, and they always thought I was crazy for requesting a few cake donuts. Don’t get me wrong, donuts are like sex, even when they are bad they are good. But i prefer cake
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
Now you've done it
Now we’ll starting getting all kinds of donut/sex jokes.
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
donuts and sex are no joking matter
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
Butternut Donut
Coltsfan1345 - January 17, 2012
muncie must represent itself in the donut conversation!!
this is the best donut and cake place in town, but that doesn’t mean i’m actually suggesting you come to muncie. i’m simply trying to help should you make such a mistake.
muncie_in_this - January 17, 2012
LMAO
That is so true!
dezznutz1001 - January 17, 2012
Hell yeah
Fellow Muncie resident here. First off, cakes donuts ARE the best donuts ever and secondly, the picture above is where you will find the best cake donuts ever.
shastamasta - January 17, 2012
yep!!
mlc2656 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Donuts:
Is there anything they can’t do?
mgrex03 - January 17, 2012
they can't help me lose weight
if you can figure out how to make that happen, you would be the supreme ruler of the known universe
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
I can't
but donuts have been known to stop out of control monorails.
mgrex03 - January 17, 2012
monorail.....monorail........MONORAIL!
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
classic!!
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
We should use the money
on something the whole town can be proud of.
Like a giant sign that says “No Fat Chicks”?
Still the best episode ever.
mgrex03 - January 17, 2012
simpsons circa 1992~1998 were the best
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
I should've said HC: Donuts
that would’ve been funnier.
FatDT - January 17, 2012
FatDT
Fat DTs like donuts.
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
More donuts = more tackles in the backfield.
FatDT - January 17, 2012
Correction;
Caldwell, spiritual leader
Spags HC, Defense
Manning HC OC and VP of Ops
Grigson, GM and yes man to
Jim Irsay, HNIC!
BigBlueDawg - January 17, 2012
HNIC?
Head Narcotic-user In Chief?
FatDT - January 17, 2012
you know what it means...
BigBlueDawg - January 17, 2012
I really honestly don't.
But I will look it up on Urban Dictionary later when I get home.
FatDT - January 17, 2012
Well, at least Polian is gone.
But, if I have to look at that dumb, puzzled Caldwell stare for another season……………..
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
Could Spags be
our future HC, as well? Just saying that could have been part of the interview.
GrizzColt - January 17, 2012
Future
meaning after next year of course.
GrizzColt - January 17, 2012
If Grigson realizes that Caldwell sucks
Then Spags can take over next year, although I hope, he doesn’t suck. Compared to Colts, Rams gave up a couple times.
Ty46 - January 17, 2012
Awesome!
From Having 1 Coach with a 2-14 record to having 2 Coaches with a 2-14 record! Woohoo!!
Z.Pain - January 17, 2012
But I do like Spag
At least with what he did with G-Men D
Z.Pain - January 17, 2012
Rams D
Did improve quite a bit with him there as well…their problem was the offense.
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
Nothing is too good for the boys in blue!
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
Sounds okay to me...
Getting spags for defense would be great, but what’s the likelihood of that occurring. Seems like Philly and new Orleans are in play for his services and Philly has the most talent on Defense.
mlc2656 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
True but
His chances of moving up to HC any time soon are nonexistent in NO and (somewhat less) in Philly.
Nosewiper - January 17, 2012
Maybe the GM doesn’t like the coaches out there this year. Perhaps there will be a better coach available next year.
Sparhawk - January 17, 2012
If we examine the KC 2011 sitch and the subsequent Haley firing and replacement by Romeo Crennel ;keeping Caldwell may not be such a bad idea.
It ensures the continuity that Irsay wants, keeps number 18 happy and likely to be back at center. And essentially allows Caldwell to spend the first 4 games in 2012 reapplying for his job. If he cannot cut it he will be replaced by Spags.
Pili-One - January 17, 2012
do it already !!!!!!!!!! I would love to see Spags come and "adjust: this whole defensive scheme. Get it done Jim. I bet he’s selling Spags on the fact that Caldwell is done after this year and the job is his. Maybe make him and associate HC who takes the time outs, manages the clock :)
It would be perfect then all Caldwell has to do is stick with that stupid clueless expression on his face and we’re good :)
Ralla32 - January 17, 2012
For me, retaining Caldwell is a good sign because it means Manning is probably healthy and will start. Trade that first pick for 4-5 extra picks in 2012 and 2013. Caldwell doesn’t get a new extension next season unless he’s miraculously become better at managing the game and Spagnuolo, whose had a year to become familiar with the offensive system, becomes the next head coach for the last few years of Manning.
Sounds like a good idea to me. I thought Spagnuolo was a really good coach in St. Louis. After all, they were the NFL’s darlings in the 2010-2011 season
TrueBlue87 - January 17, 2012
I couldnt agree more with trading the pick…I think we are in the minority on that approach but I’m with ya on that.
Ralla32 - January 17, 2012
I was in favor of trading the pick, but I'm getting closer to 50/50
Mike and Mike brought up situations like Favre/Rodgers, Montana/Young, Bledsoe/Brady, etc. this morning and I started thinkg about how nice it’d be to have a seamless transition at QB. If Grigson is the talent evaluator they say he is, he might not need all the draft picks to rebuild this team. On the other hand, maybe he can pull a great QB out of the hat like a Brady or Brees.
I guess I’m 60/40 in favor of trading #1, IF Peyton is as healthy as 2009.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
The differences there are the cap. The Farve/Rodgers deal was more manageable because of Farve’s contract and Rodger’s lower draft status. Montana and Young existed in the pre-cap era. Brady was a sixth round pick no one knew would become a franchise, much less Hall of Fame, quarterback. I honestly believe Brady was drafted to be a back-up, not a successor, and the Pats just got lucky.
If the number one pick was anyone but Luck, I’d probably say keep it. But there is such hype, and demand, for Luck, that the haul for trading it could be massive.
I started out on the keep both side of the argument, but after looking at cap numbers, I’m convinced it’s not possible. It’s either Manning or Luck, and I’d rather have Manning.
TrueBlue87 - January 17, 2012
Excellent point...
I thought the Rodgers/Luck contract numbers would be at least comparible, but Rodgers contract was heavily incentive laden and while he was backing up Favre he made a little over $1m a year while Luck will most likely make $6m. It’s still not awful and would be manageable, but the cap space is definitely an undersold point.
I would love to see some 1st and 2nd round talent thrown into the Colts secondary and in the OLine and WR position over the next few years. The team could be a serious threat with a few fixes.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
I agree
Those are my thoughts exactly
dezznutz1001 - January 17, 2012
Could u imagine what this new GM could do with Cleveland 2 #1’s and their 2 this year and number 1 and 2 next year….if that would be the haul and that might be a little low according to the value.
Clevelands Number 4- Claiborne from LSU
NUmber 22- some FAT DT who can stop the run
not to mention what you could get for the 2 2’s. We could do some major upgrading in 1 fraking draft. And consider Clevelands history of sucking it is possible they could be a top 10 pick again with Barkley, Jones and Tannenhill all expected to come out next year.
Ralla32 - January 17, 2012
I like Mookie and Nevis as the starting DTs going into next year
I would prefer a WR at #22 as there is a ton of late first round talent at WR. Claiborne is a lock for me. The guy was amazing this last year and has lots of room to grow. Fastest player on the LSU defense which is saying A LOT.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
The problem there is there aren’t any late first round worthy recievers. Dwight Jones, Kendall Wright, and Mohammed Sanu (if he comes out) are all graded out at the top of the second round.
TrueBlue87 - January 17, 2012
I think Floyd will drop and Sanu will grade higher than 2nd round by draft day
Sanu is amazing and is a big play maker. He catches more ball than anyone and makes big catches through traffic which is a big deal for Colts WR.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Saying take a CB and DT with those first two picks is playing positional need, not playing the value of the player. This is a CB heavy draft, so you don’t need to take one in the top ten. The DTs at the end of the first round aren’t anything special. This is an average DT class.
The better move would be to grab a receiver in the top 10, probably Floyd since Blackmon will most likely be gone, and then Dennard or Minnifield at the end of the first, who are perfect cover-2 corners.
TrueBlue87 - January 17, 2012
So what if Manning is not what he used to be by September?
Draft Luck, cut Manning, re-sign him very cheap to a one year deal. If he agrees ok, if he doesn’t ok, again. He got 20+ million, if he wants to remain here and be competitive, he should give up that 28 million. And then lets make a decision in 2013.
If Manning can go for a few more years, the only QB I’d like apart from Luck is Tyler Bray.
Ty46 - January 17, 2012
if we cut him
Hes gone, hes NOT coming back cuz if hes halthyand damn near 100%, hes nto gunna play for one yer an dhang it up, hes got a few more years in his tank, hes just to much of a competitor
dezznutz1001 - January 17, 2012
New scheme?
What defensive scheme does Spags favor? Does this mean the end of the 15 yard cushion?
Nosewiper - January 17, 2012
Jim Johnson pressure 4-3
It is a lot more exciting than the Tampon 2.
FatDT - January 17, 2012
Coverages are the same, just a bit less two deep safeties and a bit more press man from CBs.
DL play is the same, there is more LBer blitz and blitz overall though.
Ty46 - January 17, 2012
someone on the season tix waiting list will be moving up...
because im not renewing my tickets if Caldwell is back!! What a freakin joke. Why throw $2000 of my money at this organization if they’re gonna keep a loser like him in charge?? No thanks
I do like the Spags hire though, if it happens. But the sight of Caldwell’s blank stare makes my blood boil. Thanks for nothin Grigson and Irsay!!
bigpony - January 17, 2012
I hate that Caldwell will be retained
No real excuse for that.
But if Irsay pulls off bringing in Spags then I will feel a lot better overall. That is actually pretty exciting.
So now if we miss out on him AND Caldwell is retained I might start shooting.
FatDT - January 17, 2012
We're going to get another year
of listening to Caldwell’s idiotic post-game press conferences……saying that they just need to work on the correctable things……and of course, a lot of ‘certainly’, ‘obviously’, and ‘things of that nature’ thrown in.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
That's not a certainty
Bill Polian clearly had rules in place for media relations. Maybe he wrote something in JCs contract about incentives for remaining ‘stone-faced’ 24/7. Maybe he’ll start migrating more towards a Dennis Green at the podium. I’m hoping that at the press conference following the announcement of his retention, we hear the line “because I’m Jim Caldwell bitch,” at least once.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Well, God forbid, if he does stay,
it will be interesting to see if there’s a change in his demeanor.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
Don't forget
“most definitely” and “personally speaking”
DubsSon - January 17, 2012
Let's hope this happens!
It’s worth noting that La Canfora (bleh) reported that Spags was due to re-join the Eagles last week. Hopefully the deal (if there ever was one…) fell through and Irsay reels him in. Like most said, it would make the Caldwell decision sting less (I like the fact that it likely means Peyton will be kicking butt in ’12 though.) and Spags would be a great addition.
Stew Blake - January 17, 2012
I would love this move
First off BBS, I don’t think you know what ‘Lame Duck’ stands for. Lame duck means there is nothing to fight for because you have no chance of being retained (i.e. a president at the end of their 2nd term.) Caldwell could clearly come back if he proves to us that he can be effective without Polians’ leash.
Second, I think Spags was given a raw deal in St Louis because of their injury situations, etc this year. He turned their defense into a pretty good unit with mediocre talent, and that’s being generous. Didn’t they play the Saints really close? Maybe Spagnuolo is the backup plan. If the Colts start anything worse than 2-2, Spagnuolo could easily step in and take over HC duties.
This could also be preparation for when Caldwell’s contract expires. Get Spags comfortable with the organization before he takes the HC role. If the Colts have to make lots of big cuts in regards to talented aging veterans, this could be a rough season upcoming. Spagnuolo, wouldn’t have to take the heat for the initial season and could come in to make his splash after a year of grooming Luck.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
If he couldn’t be effective without Manning he wont’ be effective without the Polians either.
Dungy could coach w/ the Polians but Caldwell can’t?
CF4L - January 17, 2012
Bill Polian during the Dungy Era was clearly better than Chris Polian the last 3 years...
There’s no comparison. No one will argue that Bill Polian wasn’t amazing in the late 90s early 2000s. The last 3-5 years have been dreadful. He received more and more control and power as the years went by and it led to his downfall…
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Regardless even the Polians don’t call epic fail of timeouts and make in game adjustments. If Caldwell can’t do that what good is he?
CF4L - January 17, 2012
No coach is perfect
Look at some of the complaints about Bellichick the last couple of years. Remember the 4th and 1 call against the Colts? All coaches make mistakes. The in game adjustments, to me, fall more on your coordinators. I’ve seen adjustments, they’ve just been, in your words, epic failures. The defensive game planning MUST get better. I don’t think it’s fair to say there have been NO good in game adjustments considering all of the 4th quarter comebacks over the last 3 years.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Steve Spagnuolo
This would be a great pick up for the Colts, either for D-Coordinator or even as a Head Coach.
john.r.thorpe1@gmail.com - January 17, 2012
Also, if we fired some of the coaching staff, their will be room for guys like Todd Haley, Hue Jackson, etc…
john.r.thorpe1@gmail.com - January 17, 2012
That loud roar you just thought you heard
is all the fans of the other AFC South teams cheering the Colts’ decision to keep Caldwell.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
had caldwell become the new Del Rio??
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
....as bad as Del Rio was,..
he’s a brain surgeon compared to Caldwell.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
No way
I don’t want either of them, but at least Caldwell isn’t a complete jackass. One of the main positives you always here with Caldwell is that he’s a stand up guy and the players love him.
Never hear that with Del Rio. Lest you forget how he treated his last 2 starting QBs?? And he completely dodged all blame for his team’s performances this year – remember he kept blaming his offensive coordinator??
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
I could care less if the players love him I want him to be a good coach.
Coughlin is a disciplinarian yet players respect him despite not always been nice and he can coach.
CF4L - January 17, 2012
Nah
At least Caldwell was the coach of a team who went to the Super Bowl…
ColtsFanNChiTown - January 17, 2012
lol
Let’s be fair here. How do you think Caldwell would have done with Garrard and how do you think Del Rio would have done with Manning? That pesky Manning variable just keeps coming into play,….doesn’t it?
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
Impossible to know, but what we do know is
Garrard’s supporting cast > Mannings
Caldwell took a team to a Super Bowl with what was obviously not much more than a QB. Garrard had MoJo and at least a quality O Line. Their defense was a lot better as well.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Manning took the Colts to the Super Bowl DESPITE Caldwell.
SoCalHoosier - January 17, 2012
^this^
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
You don't take a team despite a coach
and almost have a perfect season along the way…
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Yes you do.
When your quarterback is the greatest of all time…..that’s exactly what you do. Wake up.
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
When you think about it
I’m not sure why Spags would come to Indy over the Eagles. The Eagles have more in place on defense and have a brighter future. Maybe he knows he actually has a shot at the head coaching job here after Caldwell’s 1 year (as long as he does well).
Coltsfan1345 - January 17, 2012
he likes dogs
BLOODontheTRACKS - January 17, 2012
UPDATE
The Colts have responded back to us, and have offered no comment. In case you care, this is a big change from the norm. Under the previous regime, the Colts just ignored us. To get a response, and to get it as quickly as we got it this one, was a happy and welcome change.
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
Could this be considered going forward maybe... I don't know... a 'New Era???'
Not falling on as many deaf ears maybe?
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Before you ban me, don't forget we share a 'taste in donuts'....
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
haha
Way to appeal to his BBS’s soft underbelly Mark. :)
Guy LeDouche - January 17, 2012
Before you ban me...
Come on! Can I, at least, not be placed in the category of serial banner? Please?
You comment was EXTREMELY valid, and you did so without insulting anyone. And on that level, the level of media relations, we might be in a new era in Indianapolis.
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
To be fair to Brad
I wasn’t really expecting to get banned. I did hesitate before posting however because it was a little bit of a dig. Just trying to keep humor.
On another note, I saw PFT reporting that the Colts signed a CFL linebacker today. Any insight on him or do you know anything about him?
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
PFT
I’m actually kind of surprised they reported that. A CFL linebacker? Who cares?
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
Question for Brad
When an organization offers ‘no comment’ or refuses to reply, does that generally mean the rumor is true?
miketyson - January 17, 2012
I was surprised too
I hadn’t heard of him before, and wondered if I had missed some great talent that was expected to make waves in the NFL.
The no comment thing is even more intersting now that we know Caldwell is being let go. Makes me wonder what you would have heard was he being retained. Is Spagnuolo the top candidate for the HC job now?
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
If Spags
is the D coordinator, that will make Caldwell coming back more tolerable. Hopefully they go out and grab the Saints or Packers QB coach to be the offensive coordinator. The less Caldwell has to do the better. Just don’t let him hire the special teams coach.
I’m just a bit upset because we could’ve started this “new era” with Peter Carmichael as HC and Spags as the DC!!!!!!!!
Dito29 - January 17, 2012
We need a new OC more than a new DC
This news makes me believe Peyton will be back with the Colts next year, regardless of his health, as keeping Caldwell only makes sense if Peyton will be here.
MadStork - January 17, 2012
Caldwell fired
Ty46 - January 17, 2012
Just announced on Sportscenter
Caldwell is kept as HC and Colts are interviewing Spagnuolo for DC position. Nice job sources!
miketyson - January 17, 2012
Caldwell is gone
Just saw this on the Colts website…
http://blogs.colts.com/2012/01/17/the-indianapolis-colts-release-jim-caldwell/
Blazinblue - January 17, 2012
Reporting now that Caldwell is gone
GotDebt - January 17, 2012
Wow
did it really happen?! Not really seeing this officially confirmed. Damn im pretty excited!
BiggRedd - January 17, 2012
Doh
Colts.com says Caldwell is fired!
Foste - January 17, 2012
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck yes
that is all.
BiggRedd - January 17, 2012
Slacking
Stampede Blue is slacking on reporting Caldwell being fired…
Blazinblue - January 17, 2012
Woooooooo hooooooooooooooooo!
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
BBS wrong again...
jumping the gun…lol….lol
AJ Colt - January 17, 2012
My faith in Irsay is being restored!
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
First on ESPN
It said Caldwell is retained.
Now it’s saying fired.
I’m certainly very happy, but I’m not going to celebrate a good man being fired. Unfortunately it was deserved. I wish him the best.
Coltsfan1345 - January 17, 2012
Yep, have a hard time celebrating a decent human person being fired.
However the new possibilities are exciting.
mlc2656 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
What possibilities?
Who is out there? I see a bunch of nobodys and has beens…
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
How stupid do you feel BBS?
unbelievable
OriolesFan9229 - January 17, 2012
I'd say he has nothing to feel stupid about.
This was a report confirmed by multiple sources. It really appears Grigson was feeling out the fan base. BBS should feel used, but not stupid.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
i don't think HE feels stupid
he more than likely wishes his sources were correct
danorocks17 - January 17, 2012
BBS
He didn’t break the story Caldwell is fired. He heard it from Jake Query, Ben Chappell, and Phil Wilson and reported it.
He honestly has no reason to feel stupid. Those guys do.
Coltsfan1345 - January 17, 2012
The Indianapolis Star is saying his been fired too!
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
Press Conference at 4 pm
I wondering why Irsay was going to St. Louis. Maybe to talk to Jeff Fisher, LOL.
Radcolt - January 17, 2012
This is great...
Wow so releived now… :-)
AJ Colt - January 17, 2012
LMAO
Sportscenter said they were keeping him, now breaking news is he is fired!!
miketyson - January 17, 2012
i don't even know why I read this blog.
andyprocombat - January 17, 2012
It wasn't just this blog
Everyone willing to speculate was saying he was staying. Kravitz never said he was being let go, he just wasn’t trusting the various sources.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
Here come Caldwell Tampa's new HC (speculation mine)
I’m not excited to see what he does with Josh Freeman. Here’s to hoping he doesn’t turn Tampa into a SB contender and make us regret it. Will he be a great HC? Probably not. Lots of other coaches have thrived though after coming out of a poisonous situation, i.e. Bellichick.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
I'm in Tampa. He better not be coming here!
Ayrshire - January 17, 2012
Honestly
Caldwell’s not getting a HC job right now. No way.
Coltsfan1345 - January 17, 2012
John Clayton said at the end of the regular season...
that Caldwell might not need to wait to get another head coaching job. He said that he is very well respected around the league and that people give more weight to his 14-2 season than this last one. They attribute this past season to lack of preparation at the backup QB by management.
^this is one of the reasons I was fighting for Caldwell to stick around. People on the outside see a lot in him. It’s easy to want the guy out when you’re the fan of a team taht just went 2-14. Other GMs have a lot more faith in him.
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
A coach can't just sit back and blame management
for a lack of QB preparation. Polians are to blame as well, for sure, but to let Caldwell out from blame for that would be a poor decision by anyone evaluating him for a job.
That said, there are not too many Superbowl champion coaches out there available, so it would not surprise me to see him get an HC job somewhere in the next year or two.
DubsSon - January 17, 2012
Oh yeah? Who?
Mark Olson - January 17, 2012
john clayton says a lot of stupid shit
BLOODontheTRACKS - January 17, 2012
Caldwell was fired
Many of the news agencies the other day reported that Caldwell was going to be retained because one of the Indy Star reporters wrote that he thought Caldwell was going to be retained. It was just that reporter’s opinion from what he’d heard Irsay say in the past. Then others took that to be matter of fact that Caldwell was being retained. I first got the inclination last night that it Caldwell might be going when Irsay tweeted about changing his mind on things he seemed sure of.
ColtsFanInEnemyTerritory - January 17, 2012
Really guys?
I don’t like a lot of BBS’ antics, but how can you possibly be ragging on him for reporting this?
It’s not like BBS was connecting any dots; he had inside sources (who’ve been right before) tell him that Caldwell was being retained. Did you not want to hear that story??
kmbryant09 - January 17, 2012
Folks
The story is updated, and we have a ‘Caldwell Fired’ story on the homepage.
Before I submit my face to be whacked by virtual bricks, I’d like to see how the Spagnuolo thing plays out. I don’t believe the people who talk to me lied, and they are credible. It’s possible that they were fed bad info to test ‘leaks,’ or they got the info wrong.
In any case, I’m actually quite happy the info that I, Mike Chappell, Phil Wilson, and Jake Query posted was wrong. I wanted Caldwell fired. #NewEra
Brad Wells - January 17, 2012
So who do the Colts look at for a head coach?
Most all of the big names already seem to be gone or not willing to coach. Fisher has already been taken. Cowher said he is likely to never coach again. Gruden seems very happy in his broadcast job (he’d likely be my top pick with Fisher being taken). Schottenheimer could be good, but he’s been out of football for quite a while and his son hasn’t faired the best with the Jets. Krennell got promoted to HC of the Chiefs. I wonder if the Colts could lure away Dick LeBeau from the Steelers and use him as a head coach. The Colts could use someone like that who can put together a great defense.
ColtsFanInEnemyTerritory - January 17, 2012
I don't think that BBS is stupid at all
for what he’s been writing about Caldwell’s hiring. Plenty of people get incorrect info from incorrect sources. I DO, however, think the foot is in the mouth regarding a certain journalist needing to apologize when, in fact, he was correct.
Sir Sci - January 17, 2012
Sources are sometimes wrong, and there's no shame in that
Don’t shoot BBS for this, it’s not right. Especially when you CAN throw virtual bricks at him for most of his other behavior on this blog over the past few years.
DubsSon - January 17, 2012
Mortensen is opining that Spags turned down the DC job
and that if he hadn’t Caldwell would still be here.
EVLGNUS - January 17, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Stampede Blue to post a comment.