Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay has made it official: Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian and General Manager Chris Polian have been relieved of their duties, effective immediately.
Irsay held a press conference Monday afternoon to announce the decision, which Irsay himself described as 'intuitive':
We’re moving in a different direction in regards to Bill and Chris Polian. It was a very tough decision for me. This is the tough part of this business. There is always a great loyalty in this business. It was time, it was the right decision to make. Fourteen years is a long time in this league. It’s an intuitive decision. A lot goes into it. This was a tough decision, and I made the decision this morning.
Irsay was very complimentary of the job Bill has done over the years:
I expressed to Bill the appreciation this franchise has for what he did. Bill is a Hall of Fame General Manager, certainly a Ring of Honor individual.
Irsay said the hunt for a new general manager will begin immediately, but that the process would be different than in 1997, when he fired Bill Tobin and replaced him with Bill Polian in a matter of hours.
It’s a new era. We’re moving into exciting times by my estimation. The search for GM begins immediately. We have not talked to any teams or potential GMs yet. This is not like ’97 where we replaced the GM in matter of hours. It will be a matter of time, possibly a couple of weeks.
He also said there will be no further changes to the staff for now, including Head Coach Jim Caldwell. Though, Irsay made it clear that Caldwell's fate could be decided before a new G.M. is hired.
Coach Caldwell is still under evaluation. Jim Caldwell could very well be back next year. That’s not out of the realm of possibilities. GM will be here when decision is made on coaching staff most likely.
Irsay also noted how the Colts had a rapid decline from just two years ago, when they were playing the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. It's also worth noting that Irsay said virtually nothing about Chris Polian, the outgoing general manager and son of Bill Polian.
Irsay did say that, during his meeting with Bill Polian today, there were 'tears' and hugs' exchanged. Irsay has known Polian for thirty years.
Irsay also mentioned that the thoughts and opinions of fans certainly made their way to him, via Twitter and blogs (yes, he actually said the word 'blogs'), but that, in the end, he alone had to make this decision.
1 recs | 103 comments
Sad to see Polian go but I’m exited to see what the changes will be. I have a feeling Irsay wil try and go ‘big name’ here.
bbxxj - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Tony Dungy
That would be an interesting selection. That would add stability to the office and good front man in the community. Many people respect the contributions Dungy has made to that community. With him the possibility of winning many ball games is a given.
Having Dungy would bring stability to the coaching staff. Coach Caldwell would have time to regroup the current team and work on being a competitive, winning coach with a seasoned team that misfired or played their worst football ever. I believe the right decision is not to dismantle our team and dramaticslly disrupt our competitive intelligence. What we should do is continue to build like we have in our historic run to glory; coach and teach like we have done; and reclaim the AFC crown and get the next Superbowl title.
As for the players, I know they know the business. I am only a fan. But I would not hesitate to bring back Reggie and Mathis. Also, I would bring in Luck, a hard hitting, run supporting safety; two or three press type corners; and DT.
Finally, training camp should feature the basics: blocking, tackling, and winning.
Leroystayclean - January 2, 2012 via mobile
I'm with you, I think the new GM is going to be Dungy
Irsay said the they guy will have little or no experience and he would be someone the team and coaches know and respect, plus he’s good with the press. I can see it.
armycolts25 - January 2, 2012
Dungy as GM
not sure i would buy into that. The problem we have is the whole scheme needs to be changed. The tampa defense is getting old. Dungy as GM will most likely stick to the Tampa defense and then we are back to square one. our CB having to make too many tackles, and more injuries
kbreboot - January 3, 2012
Get off your high horse
Your delusional if you think your constant whining contributed to this move made by Jim Irsay ALONE
Pannu - January 2, 2012
I don't think Brad is saying that
Irsay said he heard opinions and rants of the fans, but that didn’t influence his decision.
danorocks17 - January 2, 2012
Read some of these other blogs about the fireing
BBS has insinuated that more than once already
dezznutz1001 - January 2, 2012
I think that's more from the complex many bloggers have
where they see bloggers not being included as a legitimate media source on par with print and TV
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
maybe he did, i'm not sure
I"m just basing it off this line in this post
“Irsay also mentioned that the thoughts and opinions of fans certainly made their way to him, via Twitter and blogs (yes, he actually said the word ‘blogs’), but that, in the end, he alone had to make this decision.”
danorocks17 - January 2, 2012
Mackenzie we need him as are GM
Phillycolt - January 2, 2012
Isn’t he a Packer? If so, we can’t talk to him until after the Super Bowl. Long wait.
GrizzColt - January 2, 2012
Sounds like "possibly a couple weeks."
ActionOxford - January 2, 2012
Yup,
and the Packers aren’t going to the Super Bowl.
It's Magc - January 2, 2012
Not impressed with Green Bay
He inherited Rodgers and they had one lucky pick in Clay Matthews. It appears to be the same environment to me: They have a QB that covers up a TON of deficiencies. They’ve been dreadful at RB and their O-Line is constantly rotating and struggling. One of the worst defenses in the league.
Mark Olson - January 2, 2012
Hard to agree with that
Rodgers sat out week 16 and their backup QB put up record numbers instead
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
Can't disagree
I’m not sure how to respond other than ‘maybe I’m wrong’. I just really don’t see a whole team there. I see 1 great QB and one really good backup. I think the only WR that would hold their spot on another playoff team is Greg Jennings. Nelson is a slot guy everywhere else. The defense is horrific and built on an aggressive coordinator. I think coaching makes that team more than anything else.
Mark Olson - January 2, 2012
wow
You obviously haven’t watched Jordy Nelson play. Sounds like you are making the slot receiver assessment based on the fact that he’s white. There are very few white receivers who play outside in the NFL, but Jordy Nelson would definitely be a number 2 on most rosters in the league. He is deceivingly quick, has great hands, and has amazing body control.
They also have Jermichael Finley, who is an amazing athlete. The double teams he drew all season opened up the passing game. They do lack a running game, but that is more due to having an elite QB. The league is passing more, and that means more yards go in that stat. Less go to RBs.
The defense is basically the same as last season. They aren’t getting as much pressure on the QB. Woodson, Matthews, and Raji are all very good to great at their positions.
The fact that this front office drafted not one but two QBs who will be NFL starters next season also makes them pretty appealing. Knowing that both QBs sat behind a star for a few seasons means they have recent experience drafting exactly the type of player the Colts need.
PeytonTheManning - January 2, 2012
Jennings didn't play yesterday, and their backup threw for franchise records.
Also, their D was a big part of their playoff run last year.
It's Magc - January 2, 2012
no not really
a QB can look good coming in for one game where a team does not know you tendencies. Look Painter looked good in the Steelers game then tampa game then nothing..
kbreboot - January 3, 2012
Not to mention the way they staved off the injuries last year to win the Super Bowl.
Their O-Line has been injured more than anything else. That’s what caused the shuffling.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Great point
They were one of the most-injured teams last year and they won the Super Bowl.
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
coaching
Mark Olson - January 2, 2012
and...
having depth to step in when needed. Something the Colts have struggled with for awhile.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Are you saying McCarthy and Rodgers are the GOATs?
It's Magc - January 2, 2012
Aaron Rodgers is no slouch.
But I’d say Mike McCarthy is the one responsible for covering up the deficiencies. His system is impeccable. McKenzie has helped bring in some worthy talent (i.e., Hawk, Rodgers, Matthews, Raji), but the praise is ridiculously high. Of course when you’re winning like they are, praise is deserved.
Stew Blake - January 2, 2012
Who do you want then?
The 49’ers, Ravens and Steelers are the only top teams not riding a great QB right now.
They are all build around defense.
In today’s game you can only do two things: Build a great defense or put your trust in a great QB. RBs are complementary. Just about all of the top rusher plays on mediocre teams. That isn’t a coincidence.
I think the last thing (building your team around a QB) is the way to go. And league thinks so as well. Just look at the stats. We have three 5000 yard passers, Eli coming close, Rodgers would probably have been there as well, if he had played the final game.
Peter Storgaard - January 2, 2012
The Ravens have a VERY solid front office
Eric Decosta would be very welcomed!!!!
Dito29 - January 2, 2012
I think you all know who this franchise needs....
Matt Millen.
Joseph* - January 2, 2012
Grew up a Lions fan here.
and Thats NOT funny
dezznutz1001 - January 2, 2012
Get the Monday Colts Radio Show back on the internet:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/1/2/2677465/petition-to-lift-national-blakout-for-colts-monday-radio-show
I’m sorry for the threadcrapping, but we need votes!
Mark Olson - January 2, 2012
I hate to say it...
but I can’t argue with how AJ Smith has dealt with personnel in San diego… Shottenheimer and Norv Turner aren’t the best coaches out there but he certainly parlayed a possibly messy situation (drafting an unwilling Eli Manning) into some good success…
People on SBNation think that AJ Smith and Turner are both gone at the end of the year… could AJ Smith end up here? I wouldn’t fight it personally.
AB_Positive - January 2, 2012
Smith is a miracle worker with the Cap
and to be honest Irsay is an owner thats pays his players, so hopefully Smith wont have too many “holdouts” here like hes had in SD
dezznutz1001 - January 2, 2012
noooooooooo
you don’t want the lord of no rings if were gonna get him then we should have keep polian then at least he has one
Phillycolt - January 2, 2012
I dunno
Hes put great pieces together in SD..his problem has been picking Head coaches….maybe we can let Irsay handle the HC hireing
dezznutz1001 - January 2, 2012
plus, Philip Rivers is a douche
hes NEVER gunna win a title
dezznutz1001 - January 2, 2012
his recent draft picks have been bad
plus he’s just like Polian stubborn and think he’s smarter then everyone
Phillycolt - January 2, 2012
you so want a clone of BP???
the one thing I loved what Irsay said was the next GM has to understand in a small market he has to on top of having a plan back to excellence has to also work well with the community which includes fans and media. Bringing in Smith you being the same issues you had with BP. For all the good he might bring I think you absorbed the same issues you had with BP. Besides not sure Colts fans want a fired sloppy seconds in this very important position.
Straight Out The Burbs - January 2, 2012
JMV is such a retarded meathead
Ty46 - January 2, 2012
how so?? b/c he is a regular guy like us? that will come out to remotes....
and buy guys beers?? or play Golden Tee with fans of the show?? GTFO, and stop bagging on people you don’t know, jackass
cmgww - January 2, 2012
He keeps pushing Fisher; also that Irsay will make the HCing decision alone, without the new GM. He also took a Dungy as GM angle. He promotes a guy scratching his ass.
Ty46 - January 2, 2012
1) A lot of us would be happy with Fisher
2) Irsay may have to make the HC decision if good candidates start getting signed before he’s able to hire a GM
3) Dungy better not come anywhere near this team again
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
I think the last 3 years show how valuable Dungy was to this team
He made things happen for this team, especially on defense.
Mark Olson - January 2, 2012
His best quality
was his ability to motivate players, which is great in a coach but not worth much as a GM. Bad players started over good ones under Dungy because he had this silly idea that rookies should absolutely not play. He also thought Caldwell would be a good coach. I don’t want him as a GM.
FatDT - January 3, 2012
agreed
not saying he would make a good GM. I just disagree with people who say he was a bad coach.
Mark Olson - January 3, 2012
In defense of JMV
(Whom I’ve always found to be likeable and intelligent): He wasn’t pushing Dungy as GM, per se – he was more trying to wrap his mind around why they would keep Caldwell to wither on the vine before firing him. The only thing he could come up with was that, since JC was a Dungy guy, that maybe Irsay wanted to make sure TD didn’t want to take on another role with the franchise.
HoosierDammit - January 2, 2012
I would love to see Spagnolo as the DC.
I loved what he did in NYG and think it could work well with our current personnel.
I think Clyde stays as OC.
Fisher as Head Coach.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
i would love spags as DC but Clyde needs to go
the offensive play calling had been bad to mediocre at best most of the time
Phillycolt - January 2, 2012
100% agree
Clyde has shown us nothing to be impressed with
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
Clyde will stay if Peyton comes back.
No way he gets a new play caller again.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Let me clarify...
If Luck is our starter we need a new OC for sure (maybe Peyton). Clyde sucks. If Manning is healthy and back then Clyde and the system stays.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Gotcha and agree
It’s clear that Peyton doesn’t want to shake things up offensively
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
New OC
You could do a new OC if Peyton plays too. Peyton audibled what? 32 straight plays? after Clyde told him he was taking playcalling away from Peyton. I’m fine with a New OC if Peyton stays because he can handle it, but I’m even more for it if Peyton can’t play. Both signs point to amscray.
DaHart85 - January 2, 2012
Peyton wanted Caldwell to stay too
I think he’s just concerned that any HC or OC replacement would do something to restrict him in some way. I’m sure he appreciates the freedom he’s got out on the field under the current coaches.
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
if fisher is coach
he’ll let peyton run the offense
Phillycolt - January 2, 2012
I think Clyde was the worst thing to happen to Peyton.
It's Magc - January 2, 2012
exactly
the fact that peyton had to call plays this years tell syou that Clyde doesn’t know what he’s doing
Phillycolt - January 3, 2012
He sucked in Tampa too, that's for sure.
People were screaming for him to get the boot. And, the rest is history. (sigh)
Ayrshire - January 2, 2012
"I would love to see Spagnolo as the DC."
yes
danorocks17 - January 2, 2012
with you on spags
i think he might be gone though before we get a GM but I would love either spags or perry from NYG. I hope Clyde is gone since he brings nothing to the offense except being a friend of Manning.
I just don’t share the same enthusiasm about Fisher who if you want to be fair did a worse job of coaching and managing games than Caldwell did and he also had a MVP QB and a ruthless defense. His defenses also routinely made bonehead mistakes, he called out his GM and QB, and had a 5-6 playoff record. We get on Caldwell for the same thing.
Straight Out The Burbs - January 2, 2012
No thanks on Fewell
he is the master of the rush 3 drop 8 defense in the 4th quarter. That would drive me crazy.
FatDT - January 3, 2012
Most are calling for Fisher to St Louis
AceOfSpades - January 2, 2012
I think Fisher would be a lot more excited for Indy
He loves Manning and how could he not want to beat Tennessee twice a year?
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
I agree
Just saying what NFL Network is reporting.
AceOfSpades - January 2, 2012
Irsay says new GM will likely be a first-timer
#radioshow
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
At least, I hope he hires a coach
with a ‘winning’ record. Please!
Ayrshire - January 2, 2012
Mike Zimmer
would be my first choice.
FatDT - January 3, 2012
This!!
Chopaholic - January 3, 2012
Nothing wrong with that
Why rehash the same crusty old guys? Perfect example would be what Atlanta did – hire someone up and coming from a proven system.
Guy LeDouche - January 2, 2012
That means
DeCosta and McKenzie are in the running. Assuming they’re interested.
FatDT - January 3, 2012
Tommy Talesco...
Third time I’ve heard Jim mention his name and gush about him. Maybe he’s the GM and Tressel is the Head Coach to stay with the “consistency” model.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Tom Telesco...Sorry mispelled above
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Tressel
NOOOOOOO!
Might as well keep Caldwell if the white Caldwell would be coach instead. I would want the real thing.
AceOfSpades - January 2, 2012
Wasn't Telesco
some high school buddy of Chris Polian?
FatDT - January 3, 2012
Irsay actually brought up 2009.
It really is a new era. He laid it squarely on “the football people.”
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Anyone else think this radio show is really good?
Or am I just overly excited about everything that’s going on?
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
I find myself excited just to be not listening to Polian.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Tony Dungy is going to be the next GM
armycolts25 - January 2, 2012
If Dungy comes in...
I bet Caldwell stays. Maybe that’s why he is not fired right now.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
Stop trying to kill my enthusiasm
Or I’m going to have to close my laptop and pay attention to this insane Rose Bowl
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
Don't say anything.
I’m on delay after watching the Presser.
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
IO'm watching Konz and Oglesby
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
can you imagine if dungy was brought in as GM?? LOL
his radio show would be like listening to the “quiet storm” radio shows with mellow music, moment of zen, and zero tolerance for any cursing from fans.
Straight Out The Burbs - January 2, 2012
lol that's exactly how it would be
Phillycolt - January 3, 2012
If Dungy was hired (which I do not think he wants the job)
look for the Colts to draft RG3 instead of Luck. He stated on TV in the new NFL he would take him with the first draft choice. But then again, he said last year he would take Tebow in the first round as he is a winner.
PV Mike - January 3, 2012
I think Dungy is an option. Irsay loves him
The Tampa 2 will stay and we don’t have to revamp
armycolts25 - January 2, 2012
Please no
That Tampa 2 needs to go. I wouldn’t want Dungy as a GM if that means the defensive philosophy would remain the same.
Guy LeDouche - January 2, 2012
I agree
Dungy and his philosophies never really left (just his game management abilities). I’d really like to start over.
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
Yes
I appreciate Dungy but it is time to go in an actual new direction. I think many fans romanticize the past when looking back at Dungy and forget the frustrations many had when he was in charge.
FatDT - January 3, 2012
Hes media friendly, will keep the coaching in place less turnover..
armycolts25 - January 2, 2012
That's a bad thing
since our coaches are terrible.
FatDT - January 3, 2012
Irsay talked about salary cap..Manning is a gimme to return
armycolts25 - January 2, 2012
I mean NOT a gimme to return
armycolts25 - January 2, 2012
"I would like to welcome our internet listeners tonight"
Good to have you on board
We will be doing a much better effort of including everyone now
mkehoosier - January 2, 2012
AMEN!!!
LOVE IT!!!
emiller17 - January 2, 2012
ahhhh
Jon Daily - January 2, 2012
link for the irsay show?
Keysta101 - January 2, 2012
bbs
lol. please make an article declaring that you personally got polian fired. there would be 5000 posts in 10 minutes and it would probably be funnier than the first hangover movie
omahacolt - January 2, 2012
Sounds like a great Onion article.
ActionOxford - January 2, 2012
BBS... NOW WHAT?
BBS,
You have declared loud and proud that the Polians need to go, which I have agreed with for a long time, and obviously Caldwell needs to go… but that decision needs to be made after the new GM arrives. You have gotten your wish and I am sure you are probably running down your neighborhood street naked covered in blue paint screaming like a drunked madman.
SOOOO… I ask you now what? There have been some very negative posts in a very bad season, so I accept that. I also accept having to point to those negative things out more that most people want to hear about… like pouring salt into the wound of an already beaten man. BUT, that is what reporting is about, not being popular.
SO… NOW… I think you need to work toward postings for the next year. NOT about whether or not Manning and Luck can co-exist (unless you are going to include $$, not just opinion, but prove that cannot work together because of $$ or some other major reason). But focus on possible GMs that would come here, what those GMs would bring to this franchise. Additionally as the weeks go on, please bring a more positive vibe to NOT JUST THE FIRST PICK in the draft but who and what we need to address the most in the other picks we get. What coaches, OC, DC and talent we need in the FO to bring this team back to the elite.
On to the next year!
TheSpear - January 2, 2012
he made an article on good GM candidates about two weeks ago
Phillycolt - January 3, 2012
Props to Irsay....
Whether you agree with the move or not, it took some guts to make it. It would have been much easier to give the Polians and Caldwell a pass for this bad season and then hope that Manning comes back next season and cover up the flaws in the organization again.
I hope he has the courage to make another, more difficult, decision regarding the future of the quarterback position.
thomasezekiel77 - January 2, 2012
Singletary or spags either would be nice.
I would also like the defense to switch to a 3-4 The talent is there for the shift. freeney nevis and mathis on the line. with conner and hughes on the outside and angerer and brackett inside. could be a nice defense.
Fisher would be a nice coach not against tressel either. As for OC peyton calls the plays no its just a figure head job. anyone will do
JLOwings - January 2, 2012
Do you understand the 3-4?
Freeney and especially Mathis are small for D linemen as it is. If anything they would be outside LBs. Nevis is way too small to be a 3-4 NT.
I like 3-4 as a concept but an attacking 4-3 like the Giants or Bengals or Jim-Johnson-era Eagles is fine and would require less roster revamping.
FatDT - January 3, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Stampede Blue to post a comment.