Indianapolis Colts Trade Rumors

Manning, Colts don't meet this week, no meeting planned
February 11
Indianapolis Star
 
"The waiting game continues with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Despite anticipation a meeting would take place this week to at least begin the process of determining the rehabilitating quarterback's future with the team, that did not occur. On his Twitter account, owner Jim Irsay wrote: "Things r quiet this week n weekend,getting ready for NFL Combine,completing coaching staff,analyzing roster. There's no news on Peyton." Prior to Super Bowl XLVI, Irsay indicated he and Manning hoped to meet this week. The Colts must decide whether to pay Manning a $28 million option bonus by March 8 or allow him to become an unrestricted free agent."
Peyton Manning throws at Duke University
February 10
Indianapolis Star
 
"Peyton Manning worked out Wednesday at Duke University, according to a tweet from a Blue Devils player. "Got to stretch next to Peyton Manning today and say hello," center Matt Skura tweeted. The connection between Manning and Duke is Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe. He was an assistant at Tennessee when Manning played there and was head coach at Mississippi when Eli Manning played there. Peyton Manning told The Indianapolis Star after the Super Bowl that he might move around the country during his rehabilitation so he can throw to "familiar receivers," with little activity going on at the Colts' West 56th Street complex."
Peyton Manning flexible on demands
February 5
ESPN.com
 
"Peyton Manning is willing to structure his contract in a way that could expedite how quickly he is signed if or when the Indianapolis Colts release him. Manning is completely open to creating a contract in which he would be paid little or no guaranteed money up front and he would have to earn every cent he makes strictly through performance, according to sources. An example of how it would work is that Manning's contract could wind up having a big roster bonus due on the first day of the season, and another big bonus based on the number of games he starts in a season. It is a formula that can be used for the length of the contract, limiting the amount of guaranteed money paid up front and"
Jeff Saturday has front-office options
February 5
ESPN.com
 
"The Indianapolis Colts would like to bring back veteran free-agent center Jeff Saturday, but in a different role than some might think. The Colts have told Saturday, a player who was instrumental in helping to end the lockout, that they are willing to give him a front-office job, according to league sources. A second NFL team also has floated the idea of Saturday joining its front office."
Sources: Miami Dolphins on Peyton Manning's short list of desired landing spots
February 4
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Peyton Manning is in the middle of a difficult breakup with the Indianapolis Colts, and it appears he's ready to run into the arms of another NFL team. An NFL source says Miami is on the short list of teams Manning would like to play for when/if the Colts release him to avoid paying a $28 million bonus, which is due on March 8. Manning and his wife own a condo on South Beach and a source said they'd love to relocate to South Florida if the fit is right. A second source confirmed Manning's interest in the Dolphins. Playing for the Dolphins would allow Manning to remain in the AFC, and the Colts are on Miami's schedule next season, which is an added bonus. Dolphins owner Steve Ross has"
Peyton Manning's agent says his client is 'not done'
February 4
Indianapolis Star
 
"Peyton Manning's desire to return to the NFL in 2012 is strong, his agent said this morning. "He's enthusiastic," said Tom Condon, agent for the Indianapolis Colts quarterback. "He loves to compete. He loves the game. He wants to play. Peyton wants to play and he's safe to play. "Now it's a matter of him getting all of his strength back and he'll be back to being Peyton.'' Manning's future with the Colts has been a prime storyline in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLVI. Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed a spinal fusion Sept. 8 on Manning, gave Manning medical clearance Wednesday to return and play next season. Colts owner Jim Irsay responded to that news on his Twitter account by"
Source: Dolphins chances with Manning would be good
February 3
Miami Herald
 
"So far the story of Peyton Manning has been one of whether he'll be healthy, whether he'll be cut by the Indianapolis Colts, and when all this will happen. But amid the saga of stories and statements and interviews with counter-interviews, I must tell you this: The Dolphins surely do have a confidence about their ability to land Manning if and when he's available. Why? Well, here at the Super Site, I' got the chance to talk to several NFL and Dolphins sources Thursday evening and everyone tells me the Dolphins definitely will be making the play for Manning. Secondly, I come to find out Manning is something of a South Florida fan. A club source told me Thursday evening that Manning has"
Agent: "Peyton's not done"
February 3
Pro Football Talk
 
"Peyton Manning's agent, Tom Condon, said in an appearance on NFL Network Friday morning that he believes Manning will be healthy and ready to go for the 2012 season. "Peyton's not done," Condon said. Following up on Thursday's reports that Manning had been medically cleared to return to the field — reports that Colts owner Jim Irsay denied — Condon said that Manning's medical clearance means it would be safe for him to play, and that he wouldn't be risking greater injury to his neck. Condon added, however, that Manning's nerve regeneration hasn't reached the point where he would be able to step on the field and play in an NFL game today. But Condon was adamant that anyone who thinks"
Rumors surface about Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald dinner date
February 3
Arizona Republic
 
"The rumors of Peyton Manning perhaps playing for the Cardinals picked up speed here on Thursday with a report that Manning and receiver Larry Fitzgerald have a dinner date planned in the next few days. The Terre Haute Tribune Star reported the planned meeting. Fitzgerald later denied it but not until after he played coy during an appearance on KGME-AM (910). "I don't even have Peyton's phone number," Fitzgerald said. Pressed for a definitive answer later in the interview, Fitzgerald denied a meeting was scheduled. He repeated that denial to The Republic in a text message. In related news, ESPN reported that Manning had been medically cleared to play football after missing the entire 2011"
Doctor, not team, clears Manning
February 3
Indianapolis Star
 
"Peyton Manning received medical clearance to return to the NFL in 2012 during a postoperative visit Wednesday with the surgeon who performed the Sept. 8 spinal fusion procedure on the Indianapolis Colts quarterback. It remains to be seen if that will influence the Colts as they weigh whether to retain the league's only four-time MVP. Manning missed the 2011 season."
Report: Peyton Manning cleared to resume career
February 2
Pro Football Talk
 
"We have some Peyton Manning news that is actually news. Big news. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Peyton Manning has been cleared to resume his NFL career. Colts owner Jim Irsay said in December that he expected Manning would be a Colt if healthy. The presumption of late is that Manning would not be healthy by March."
Colts owner Jim Irsay won't make decision on QB Peyton Manning until early March
February 2
Indianapolis Star
 
"Colts owner Jim Irsay plans to meet with Peyton Manning next week, but the decision of whether the Indianapolis Colts retain their franchise quarterback likely won't be made until early March. The team owes Manning a $28 million option bonus by March 8. If it's not paid, the NFL's only four-time MVP becomes a free agent. Irsay said it's possible the date could be pushed back if both sides agreed."
Colts QB Peyton Manning expects decision on his future 'will happen soon'
February 1
Indianapolis Star
 
"In his first interview of Super Bowl week, Peyton Manning said he expects a decision on his future will "happen soon" and "the sooner the better." Speaking to ESPN, Manning made it clear no decision will come this week, and that he won't discuss his future during Super Bowl week. He's having dinner with Colts owner Jim Irsay at a social event Thursday but doesn't expect to discuss his contract status. "I think Jim's on 16-hour days," Manning said. "As the host owner, there are certain obligations, but it'll happen soon and I'm sure y'all will know when it does. "Jim and I talk constantly. We really do. After this week's over, we'll do it and we'll make a plan from there.""
Dallas an unlikely landing spot for Manning
January 31
Foxsports.com
 
"Peyton Manning in a Cowboys uniform? At first thought, that sounds like a pretty good idea. Who wouldn't want a future Hall of Famer quarterbacking their team? Then reality creeps in. First and foremost, it will never happen because of the salary cap. While trading Tony Romo to make room for Manning would be the optimal move, either trading or outright cutting Romo carries salary-cap implications and the hit would likely handcuff the Cowboys from making any other moves. And if you have Peyton Manning quarterbacking your team, you might want to upgrade that offensive line which got Romo sacked 36 times last season."
Peyton Manning: 'I really feel good'
January 31
ESPN.com
 
"Peyton Manning plans to return to football, but he and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay have not discussed his future, he said in an interview with ESPN on Tuesday. Manning, in an interview with ESPN's Trey Wingo, said that he and Irsay will discuss whether the Super Bowl-winning quarterback will remain with the Colts "at the appropriate time, and when we do, I think some decisions will be made after that. But until then I'm just continuing to rehab, work hard, and to enjoy this week because it really is a special week for the city and certainly for my family." Manning said that his recovery from spinal fusion surgery in September -- his third surgery in 19 months -- is going well"
Report: Colts' Peyton Manning unlikely to resume QB career
January 31
Indianapolis Star
 
"People close to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning don't believe he'll resume his career, according to Yahoo Sports reporter Jason Cole in a post late Monday. "The nerves in Manning's arm are not healing as quickly as hoped and, worse, don't appear to be progressing at enough of a rate to indicate that he will play again, according to two sources with knowledge of Manning's rehabilitation from neck surgery," the Yahoo report said. "The vertebrae in his neck that were fused have healed as expected and Manning began throwing in December. But he hasn't shown improvement in velocity on his passes, and the two sources fear he likely never will again.""
Too early to make a call on Peyton Manning
January 30
Washington Post
 
"It seems as if every day produces some type of Peyton Manning news, and with it comes more debate over whether the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, or some other team will make pursue him this offseason. Colts owner Jim Irsay and Manning had some back-and-forth through the media last week, and it's clear the relationship is deteriorating. The Colts – who hold the first pick in April's draft and are expected to take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck – must decide before March 8 whether to pick up the option on Manning's contract, which would pay the quarterback a $28 million bonus, or release him. Manning missed all of the 2011 season while recovering from a pair of neck"
Peyton is struggling to get healthy
January 30
Pro Football Talk
 
"During our NBC Pro Bowl pregame news pop from the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium, Peter King provided an update regarding the story that will dominate the discussion all week in Indianapolis. Peter said that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is struggling to get healthy. With barely more than a month to go before the March 8 trigger for payment of $28 million, that makes it even less likely that the Colts will pony up the cash."
Sources: Keith Butler to join Colts' staff
January 29
ESPN.com
 
"Not only do the Indianapolis Colts plan to add former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians to their staff, but Indianapolis also plans to hire Keith Butler, Pittsburgh's linebackers coach, as its defensive coordinator, according to league sources. Butler is planning to fly to Indianapolis on Tuesday to review and sign the contract that will make him a part of former Ravens defensive coordinator and current Colts head coach Chuck Pagano's staff. Arians is scheduled to fly to Indianapolis on Monday to review and sign the contract. The Steelers had said he "retired" from his post but he confirmed last week that the team actually let his contract expire and he was still listening to"
Irsay refutes report claiming decision to cut Manning was made weeks ago
January 29
Indianapolis Star
 
"Jim Irsay has refuted a report that the Indianapolis Colts decided weeks ago that they will release quarterback Peyton Manning and move on without the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player. "No he hasn't been released nor was a decision reached weeks ago," the Colts owner announced via his Twitter account early Sunday morning. Irsay's tweet was a reaction to NFL Network insider Jason La Confora's report. "According to sources who were involved in the Colts' GM search, the organization was planning to move on from Manning weeks ago, well before this public squabble between the quarterback and his owner," La Canfora said Friday on "NFL Total Access.""
Manning decision made weeks ago
January 29
NFL.com
 
"The he said-he said between Colts owner Jim Irsay and QB Peyton Manning this week ended awkwardly with a joint statement from the duo, an effort to "dispel any misperceptions." Apparently, they hugged... talked it out. OK, so we'll buy that Irsay and Manning are all good. But what the statement didn't say was that Manning will remain with the Colts. While it remains to be seen if he ever will play again, any misperceptions that the four-time NFL MVP will do so with the Colts appear to be long gone. Just how far? "According to sources who were involved in the Colts' GM search, the organization was planning to move on from Manning weeks ago, well before this public squabble between the"
Arians will be hired as offensive coordinator
January 29
Indianapolis Star
 
"A familiar face is expected to be part of Chuck Pagano's first coaching staff with the Indianapolis Colts. Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has agreed to assume the same position on Pagano's forming staff, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Arians declined comment when reached Saturday. He was the Colts' quarterbacks coach for the first three years of Peyton Manning's career (1998-2000). Also, Clyde Christensen, the Colts' offensive coordinator the past two seasons, might remain on Pagano's staff and handle wide receivers. That's a position Christensen held from 2002-09."
Source: Bruce Arians, Colts agree
January 28
ESPN.com
 
"Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has agreed to become the Indianapolis Colts' new offensive coordinator, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Arians is scheduled to fly to Indianapolis on Monday to review and sign the contract. Team sources had told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen Jan. 22 that the Steelers let Arians' contract expire against the wishes of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The sources said Steelers president Art Rooney II wants the team to regain its blue-collar identity on offense."
Priority would be Manning first, Flynn as fallback
January 25
Miami Herald
 
"For five days now I've been telling you the Dolphins are on the quarterback hunt -- again. I told you Saturday that Peyton Manning is a possibility for the team and that he's prominent on the team's radar, assuming he is available and wants to play in 2012. The point was echoed by national and other local news sources Sunday and Monday. As you know the hiring of Joe Philbin makes Matt Flynn another possibility in the team's chase of a starting franchise quarterback. Philbin was the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator and is familiar with Flynn, the Packers backup. But which one is the chief priority? Is it Manning at age 36? or Flynn who is largely unproven? A team source e-mailed me"
OK, OK … it's time to admit Manning reality
January 25
Indianapolis Star
 columnist Phillip B. Wilson
"Anyone can be beaten into submission by the debate about Colts QB Peyton Manning's future. That's how I'm feeling today. Punch drunk. Just one too many blows to the head — sensible arguments which can't be lessened by optimistic rationalizations. The Colts are going to let Manning move along. The Colts aren't paying that $28 million team option March 8, which means he'll be an unrestricted free agent. Reality hit today when driving down the road. That's the way this is going to play out. I get it. Some will say, "It's about time you woke up." That could be said about a lot of things. Sometimes, clarity takes time. Sometimes, people never wake up to reality because they are stubborn or"
Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano named new Colts head coach
January 26
Indianapolis Star
 
"The Indianapolis Colts have settled on Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as their next head coach, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Pagano, 51, was the Ravens defensive coordinator in 2011 after serving as defensive backs coach the previous three seasons. This will be his first head coaching position at any level. He replaces Jim Caldwell, who was fired Jan. 17. Pagano emerged from a long list of prospects that included New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, Montreal Alouettes coach Marc Trestman and San Francisco 49ers special teams"
With Indy seemingly turning the page, where will Peyton end up?
January 24
NFL.com
 
"The disconnect between Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts is now apparent to everyone. If you haven't been paying attention to the signals owner Jim Irsay has been sending with his comments over the past few months -- and trust me, people I've been talking to have -- Manning's extensive interview with the Indianapolis Star makes it abundantly clear. Manning is now a stranger in a familiar land; a stranger in the very stadium he built. The coaching staff and front office have been blown out, and while Peyton's been watching everything unfold from inside team headquarters, he's still completely cut off from it all. It's not his franchise anymore. The Colts, as I've been writing and"
Indianapolis Colts have eye on Alouettes' Marc Trestman
January 25
Toronto Star
 
"After taking a look at Montreal Alouettes general manager Jim Popp, the Indianapolis Colts are considering Marc Trestman for their vacant head coaching position. According to ESPN, the National Football League team interviewed the Alouettes head coach last weekend. Trestman, who has guided the Alouettes to two Grey Cup championships in his four seasons in Montreal, has one year left on his deal with the Canadian Football League team."
Seely joins Colts coaching candidates
January 24
Foxsports.com
 
"The list of head-coaching candidates for the Indianapolis Colts continues to grow. Two sources told FOXSports.com on Tuesday that San Francisco 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely is scheduled to interview Wednesday in Indianapolis. The Colts are seeking to replace Jim Caldwell, who was fired last week shortly after Ryan Grigson was hired as general manager."
Report: Ravens defensive coordinator Pagano will interview with Colts
January 24
Baltimore Sun
 
"ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday night that the Indianapolis Colts will interview Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano for their vacant head coaching job on Tuesday. In Pagano's first season as defensive coordinator, the Ravens finished third in the NFL in scoring defense and third in yards allowed. The Ravens were fourth in rushing defense and second in pass defense. And in Sunday's AFC championship game loss to the New England Patriots, the Ravens forced Patriots quarterback Tom Brady into two interceptions. Brady had a 57.6 passer rating. Pagano, who was promoted from secondary coach to defensive coordinator when Greg Mattison left for Michigan after the 2010 season, is a fiery"
Tressel might factor into Colts' plans
January 21
Indianapolis Star
 
"Jim Tressel's brief and ancillary role with the Indianapolis Colts might evolve into something more substantial. Team owner Jim Irsay's plane flew Friday morning to Sarasota, Fla., where Tressel owns a home, and returned to Indianapolis later in the day. Multiple sources have said they expect the former Ohio State coach to interview for the Colts' coaching position. WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, reported the Colts and Tressel met Friday for a second time to discuss the team's opening. Coach Jim Caldwell was fired Tuesday. The Colts have interviewed New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., and The Tennessean reported Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray was"
No one's safe: Colts release 3 assistants
January 19
Indianapolis Star
 
"Vacancies continued to mount at the Indianapolis Colts' Northwestside complex Wednesday, while two candidates emerged as possibilities to fill the primary one. The Colts have been granted permission to speak with Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and New Orleans offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael about their head coaching position, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. The search began Tuesday when Jim Caldwell was fired after three seasons."
Actor Rob Lowe tweets Colts QB Peyton Manning will retire...
January 19
Indianapolis Star
 
"Actor Rob Lowe, the prototypical jerk in such 90's classics as 'Wayne's World' and 'Tommy Boy,' tweeted Wednesday that he's hearing Manning is done playing football. Lowe's 'report' is yet to be confirmed by any parties close to the situation. Manning's father, Archie, laughed when told of the report, telling ESPN's Chris Mortensen "He ain't retiring. I think he would've told me." Manning's agent, Tom Condon, says this is the first he's heard about it, per NFL Network's Jason La Canfora."
Colts could look for offensive mind
January 17
ESPN.com
 
"New Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson labored all weekend over whether to retain or fire head coach Jim Caldwell. Because it was a close call to fire Caldwell, Grigson and Colts owner Jim Irsay have to be able to find the right type of coach to rebuild the franchise. More than likely, they will look for an offense-minded head coach. Some of the early considerations would be Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, whom Grigson knows from his days in the Eagles' personnel office. Another possibility could be Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, who has become a hot name because of what he did with Tim Tebow and the Broncos' offense. There is an outside chance"
Grigson's departure could leave more than one vacancy for Eagles
January 11
Wilmington News Journal
 
"Ryan Grigson, the Eagles' director of player personnel for the past two seasons, left the team Wednesday to become the Colts' general manager. Grigson, anIndiana native and former Purdue standout, leaves a front-office vacancy for the Eagles, but his departure could also cause some major changes on the coaching staff, especially if Grigson cleans house inIndianapolis and brings along some Eagles coaches to fill out his staff. One of Grigson's first major decisions as Colts general manager concerns the fate of Jim Caldwell, who just wrapped up his third season as head coach.Caldwellwent 2-14 without his star quarterback, Peyton Manning, who missed the whole season after undergoing neck"
Source: Colts to hire Ryan Grigson
January 11
ESPN.com
 
"The Indianapolis Colts plan to hire Philadelphia Eagles director of player personnel Ryan Grigson as their new general manager, according to league sources. The two sides have an agreement in principle that lawyers are finalizing, sources added. If the lawyers get through their business, Grigson could be introduced as the Colts' general manager as early as Wednesday."
Colts owner Jim Irsay in Twitter debate with media
January 8
Indianapolis Star
 
"Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay had a busy day on Twitter today and at one point was involved in a somewhat heated exchange. It apparently was triggered by a tweet by ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. "First candidate the Colts tried to hire for vacant GM job was New England's director of player personnel Nick Caserio. Opted to remain in NE," Schefter tweeted at mid-day. Irsay responded a little later: "Adam S,not true about "1rst candidate we wanted 2hire.." There is not any candidate we "wanted to hire" I haven't interviewed.""
Colts owner Jim Irsay refutes reports on QBs Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck
January 8
Indianapolis Star
 
"Jim Irsay this morning refuted a report that the Colts and quarterback Peyton Manning have discussed moving the deadline for the team to pay Manning an option bonus that will activate the final four years of his contract and prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. "There has been no discussion of a deadline push,n just like '98 with Manning/Leaf..u have 2 go thru a long,disciplined process of evaluation," Irsay tweeted. Sports Illustrated's Peter King reported Saturday on NBC that: "Both may be amenable to pushing back that March 8 date by which he's owed $28 million in the option bonus by the Indianapolis Colts.""
Colts owner Jim Irsay's GM list grows, includes CFL executive
January 8
Indianapolis Star
 
"Jim Irsay is making quick work of his search for a new general manager. "The Indianapolis Colts search for GM is going very well. 7 potential candidates will have been interviewed by Monday,days end," the Colts owner announced via Twitter early Saturday morning. Irsay said Monday evening, when he announced the firing of Colts vice chairman Bill Polian and vice president/general manager Chris Polian, that the search would begin immediately. In the interim, he is believed to have interviewed or arranged interviews with Colts director of player personnel Tom Telesco; Atlanta Falcons director of player personnel Les Snead and Falcons director of college scouting David Caldwell; Dallas Cowboys"
Colts to pick Andrew Luck, sources say
January 7
ESPN.com
 
"With the stunning dismissal of Bill Polian, the architect of the Colts' 11 playoff appearances, uncertainties remain over Peyton Manning's health and Jim Caldwell's future as coach, but sources say one thing is certain: Colts owner Jim Irsay plans to take Andrew Luck with the draft's first-round pick. Sources say Irsay sees symmetry in the franchise history of draft picks and will not pass on the opportunity to complete it. In 1983, the Colts took John Elway with the No. 1 pick, only to see Irsay's father, Bob, trade the Hall of Famer."
Colts' GM search includes at least 6
January 7
Indianapolis Star
 
"Owner Jim Irsay promised an "extensive search" for a new Indianapolis Colts general manager, and that quest is turning up candidates all over the country. His list of possible successors to former vice chairman Bill Polian and former vice president/general manager Chris Polian has reached at least six and spans from Indianapolis to New York to Dallas. The Colts have been given permission to interview Atlanta Falcons director of player personnel Les Snead next week, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and also are expected to speak with Falcons director of college scouting David Caldwell, a former Colts scout. Another candidate with Indiana ties, Philadelphia Eagles director of"
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones not surprised that Indianapolis Colts are interested in interviewing Tom Ciskowski
January 7
Dallas Morning News
 
"Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday on KRLD-FM 105.3 that he's not surprised the Indianapolis Colts are considering Tom Ciskowski, the team's assistant director of player personnel, for their general manager opening. Ciskowski is one of several candidates the Colts have expressed an interest in interviewing. The club has contacted the Cowboys and received permission to speak to Ciskowski, who joined the Cowboys in 1992. "Of course that's how it works. When people do a very good job they do get opportunities and Tom does an outstanding job of coordinating all of our scouts," Jones said on KRLD-FM. "He has a group of people, probably 30, who he basically coordinates of what we call pro"
Sources: Colts GM search includes Tom Ciskowski
January 6
ESPN.com
 
"While some wonder if the Cowboys could lose Rob Ryan and/or Joe DeCamillis from their coaching staff to head coaching jobs elsewhere, they might also need to look at the player personnel staff, too. According to multiple sources, Indianapolis has requested permission to speak with assistant director of player personnel Tom Ciskowski for its general manager vacancy. The Colts are looking for a personnel chief after firing Bill Polian and his son, Chris. St. Louis could be another option after the Rams fired Billy Devaney. Ciskowski interviewed with the Rams in 2006 for the general manager's job. Baltimore's director of player personnel Eric DeCosta is also a reported candidate for both"
Despite Ryan's denial, Manning is on Jets' radar
January 3
Pro Football Talk
 
"Our good friend Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News took a break from rehabbing a torn ACL on Tuesday to join PFT Live to discuss the current state of the New York Jets. Among other things, Manish believes that the Jets have an interest in Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, if/when Manning becomes available in the offseason. This conflicts with Rex Ryan's recent denial of interest in Manning. Then again, Ryan can't say he's interested in Manning, or Ryan will be facing tampering charges."
Kravitz thinks Colts have already reached out to Jeff Fisher
January 3
Pro Football Talk
 
"Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star made a return visit to PFT Live on Tuesday for part of our ongoing coverage of what I've dubbed, against my better judgment, the Polianoscopy in Indianapolis. Kravitz dropped a bombshell during an intriguing 15-minute chat. Kravitz believes that the Colts, who continue to employ Jim Caldwell as the head coach but neither Vice Chairman Bill Polian or G.M. Chris Polian, already have reached out to Jeff Fisher. Kravitz also thinks that Fisher would then have input on who the next G.M. would be, creating a package deal."
Colts fire vice chairman Bill Polian and general manager Chris Polian
January 3
Indianapolis Star
 
"Jim Irsay acknowledged the complexity, the difficulty and the pain, even the tears. It's not easy to fire a man you've known for 30 years, a man who has guided your NFL franchise through a gilded era and will make his next stop the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "I have always believed it's about timing, it's about energy, it's about what the time calls for," the Indianapolis Colts owner said Monday evening after his stunning firing of Vice Chairman Bill Polian and his son, Vice President/General Manager Chris Polian. "I'm excited about our new direction. It's a new era.""
Source: Colts fire Bill and Chris Polian
January 2
Indianapolis Star
 
"Colts owner Jim Irsay has fired vice chairman Bill Polian and general manager Chris Polian, a source told The Star's Bob Kravitz. There's no word yet on the status on coach Jim Caldwell. The Indianapolis Colts have announced there will be a 5 p.m. press conference today with owner Irsay at the team's West 56th Street complex. No details were available on what would be discussed, but players were advised in a team meeting earlier today that significant changes are forthcoming. Players said Chris Polian and Caldwell addressed them in a team meeting this afternoon."
Restructure or rebuild? Lots of folks might not be back next season
December 30
Indianapolis Star
 
"The Indianapolis Colts will play the final game of a wayward season Sunday at Jacksonville. What will follow is uncertain and shot with trepidation. Imagine, if you can, next season. Imagine it without quarterback Peyton Manning. Without wide receiver Reggie Wayne. Without defensive end Robert Mathis. Without center Jeff Saturday. Without offensive lineman Ryan Diem, perhaps without linebacker Gary Brackett. They are pillars of a team and an era, a team that won an average of 111/2 regular-season games from 1999-2010, played in two Super Bowls and won one. Manning is 35, recovering from Sept. 8 neck surgery, his third procedure in 19 months. If the Colts don't deem him healthy and pay him"
Colts vice chairman Bill Polian identifies Colts top draft needs
December 27
Indianapolis Star
 
"The Colts are guaranteed no worse than the No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft and Bill Polian spoke Monday night about the eight "anchor" positions that can be filled through the annual talent acquisition process. "They're players who make plays on third downs," the Colts vice chairman said on his radio show. "Quarterback, defensive end, those are the two hardest to find. Cornerback, wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle who can rush; that may be the hardest to find of all. "And then the two sort of intangible positions, if you will, although that changed with the advent of Troy Polamalu and Bob Sanders, safety and center." The Colts are set at running back, and if Peyton Manning"