Jim Caldwell Out
By carolscash
@carolscash (9492)
United States
January 17, 2012 3:17pm CST
Well, after just recently getting a new GM for the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Ursay has now announced that they are also searching for a new coach as they fired Jim Caldwell today.
Caldwell took over three seasons ago after headcoach Tony Dungy left. Fans were sure that Caldwell knew the job as he had been under Dungy for several years. He had been to the Super Bowl with them.
With Manning still not sure of his return for next season and several key players looking at being free agents this year, fans are left to wonder what will become of their beloved Colts team. Do you feel that this is the right move for the team or should they have approached the new season a little differently?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
17 Jan 12
Manning's absence proved just how much he meant to that team. Physically and emotionally, Peyton was the team's leader. The Colts have been an on-field team for a decade. They ebb and flow with Manning and the offense. All the coach is responsible for is making sure to stay on top of clock management.
I'm not sure that Caldwell caught a raw deal like many in media are saying. With Manning down, you have to prove that you're the right coach for the job. You need to work to find a decent replacement. You need to motivate the team. You need to rework the offense to run as a huddle-up, slow-paced, run-first, game-managing club.
The Colts' offense was abysmal, their defense abhorrent. It is definitely the right move. Caldwell couldn't even slow the bleeding. The only reason the team pulled together to win 2, in all likelihood, was because they didn't want the #1 pick and the threat of Andrew Luck. This is Peyton Manning's team.
And on a side note, I'm definitely peeved with the sporting media these days. They treat Manning as if he's just a good QB in the league. He is top 5 all-time great in every category across the board, and #1 in a slew of categories that he created by being the best on-field general in the history of the league.
Andrew Luck will never amount to even half of what Manning has accomplished. The Colts would do well to recognize that.
They need to get in touch with Minnesota. Give the Vikings their #1, take the Vikings' 1st round pick, Adrian Peterson, and Christian Ponder. Then in the draft, the Colts need defense - preferably Morris Claiborne out of LSU. Then get on the horn with the Jets. Give up Addai, a draft pick and some supplemental cash for Santonio Holmes.
Keep Peyton, tie up the loose ends, and watch a 13-3 season unfold in 2012.
1 person likes this
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
18 Jan 12
Exactly! 
I just need to rant too bad when I think of this! 
I'm an Oakland Raiders fan, so I don't have a dog in the fight per se. But, like many people, I have been breathing for the past decade and have seen what Peyton "The Real" Manning has done.
For starters, Indianapolis as a combined team isn't even a quarter as good as the New York Giants. The Colts have never put anyone of note around Peyton, and once Harrison left, that team became Peyton Manning and some receivers who are 6 and 7s out of 10s (someone like Fitzgerald, Megatron and Wes Welker being the standard).
Secondly, the AFC is way tougher than the NFC. Because of the ratings it brings in, the Colts had to play fantastic San Diego and New England teams every year in the regular season, and then again in the playoffs. And despite being in the same conference as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New England, and San Diego, Indianapolis was always right up at the top of the conference every single year.
For as good as Eli has been in the playoffs, his best year as a QB (record-wise), 2008, saw him get the #1 seed only to lose the first game. And it's rare that the Giants even make the playoffs. If Dallas can just not lose one of three games in the fourth quarter, the Giants aren't even in. If the Eagles can win one more game, the Giants aren't in. And that's with two fantastic receivers and a defense that's exponentially better than the Colts' defense.
If Peyton QB'd the Giants, they'd be at least in the NFC Championship every year. If Eli QB'd the Colts, they wouldn't be good enough to get in the playoffs.
They better recognize that Peyton is not only the best Manning; he's still one of the best QBs in the league.
I just need to rant too bad when I think of this!
I'm an Oakland Raiders fan, so I don't have a dog in the fight per se. But, like many people, I have been breathing for the past decade and have seen what Peyton "The Real" Manning has done.
For starters, Indianapolis as a combined team isn't even a quarter as good as the New York Giants. The Colts have never put anyone of note around Peyton, and once Harrison left, that team became Peyton Manning and some receivers who are 6 and 7s out of 10s (someone like Fitzgerald, Megatron and Wes Welker being the standard).
Secondly, the AFC is way tougher than the NFC. Because of the ratings it brings in, the Colts had to play fantastic San Diego and New England teams every year in the regular season, and then again in the playoffs. And despite being in the same conference as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New England, and San Diego, Indianapolis was always right up at the top of the conference every single year.
For as good as Eli has been in the playoffs, his best year as a QB (record-wise), 2008, saw him get the #1 seed only to lose the first game. And it's rare that the Giants even make the playoffs. If Dallas can just not lose one of three games in the fourth quarter, the Giants aren't even in. If the Eagles can win one more game, the Giants aren't in. And that's with two fantastic receivers and a defense that's exponentially better than the Colts' defense.
If Peyton QB'd the Giants, they'd be at least in the NFC Championship every year. If Eli QB'd the Colts, they wouldn't be good enough to get in the playoffs.
They better recognize that Peyton is not only the best Manning; he's still one of the best QBs in the league.@carolscash (9492)
• United States
18 Jan 12
I totally agree that I do not think that Eli is nearly as good as Peyton. Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks ever and his record proves it. I think that they are concentrating too much on the draft pick and not worried about playing football. I feel that they need to use their draft pick on defense choices instead of a quarterback.
They need to sign some of the players that have contracts coming to an end. I really don't want to see them get rid of Addai as he is good at what he does. I also would not want to see them lose Reggie Wayne as he is good with Peyton. I also don't want to see Dallas Clark or Jeff Saturday go anywhere.
@sweetokole (35)
• United States
18 Jan 12
It was pretty sad this year to see the Colts play so poorly. There is no way a team should be so bad, even losing Peyton Manning. The Patriots have always seemed to be able to get by with their back up - look at Matt Cassel subbing for Tom Brady.
Caldwell presided over the biggest travesty in sports this past year. He should have been fired.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
18 Jan 12
Well, being that my husband is always comparing Brady and Manning, I say that it just shows that Brady is not nearly as good as Manning. However, I also recognize that the team has to step up when the quarterback is out. Indianapolis never seems to have a backup quarterback that is nearly as good as Manning and so we fail without him.
I really don't know what I think about Caldwell being fired, but I do feel like changes should have been made.
@matersfish (6306)
• United States
18 Jan 12
The difference between Brady and Manning can really come down to the difference between the Patriots organization and the Colts' lack thereof.
New England, namely Bill Belichick, spent their time wisely to develop a team. They have players who take instruction well, who play together well, and shine within a system where the idea is to limit mistakes and exploit someone else's mistakes.
The Colts, on the other hand, have always just relied on Peyton Manning. They never attempted to build for Manning's system; they just allowed Manning to implement his system. If they would have dumped Painter and picked up a QB who could run the same type of offense, they may have had similar results to Matt Cassel in New England in 2008. 11-5 in most years is good enough to get you into the playoffs. It was a fluke that they missed that year.
Tom Brady is awesome when the system is running smoothly. He has multiple options on offense, a year to throw a pass, and a defense that bend but doesn't break. Above all, his guys don't get stupid penalties. They don't fumble the ball. They don't miss chances.
Hit Tom Brady and he's a .500 QB. Give him time to throw and he's like .900!
@AmbiePam (95574)
• United States
18 Jan 12
After the last couple of days I was surprised when they announced he was fired today. I mean some of the "insiders" on ESPN had just been saying yesterday how much the players love him and how comfortable he is with Peyton and how well he'd get along with Andrew Luck. I don't know what to think. I really hope if Peyton is well enough to play they keep him. Luck is an unknown quality. Peyton has at least two more great years in him. Keep Luck as a back up and let him learn from the best. And if Luck has a problem with that then he can get glad in the same britches he got mad in. I'm not sure who I would want as their coach. If Jeff Fisher hadn't already been hired by the Rams then I would think he'd be a good fit. But I don't know now. Caldwell was quite passive. I would bet they go for a different personality this time.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
18 Jan 12
I think that fans are anxiously awaiting the return of Manning and I have a feeling that the Colts franchise may suffer if he is not able to play again next year. I don't know if the fans are thrilled with Luck being their choice for the team, I think that we need good defensive players.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
18 Jan 12
Wow...I don't know. I figured they would do something to change things up but I didn't think about them firing the coach. I wonder if they are going to consider putting Manning in his place. I have always thought that Manning would end up being a coach.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
18 Jan 12
Well Jen, I have wondered the same thing the last few hours as I was contemplating who I thought they might try to get as a coach. Manning has led this team for so long and it seems only natural that he might become a coach when he can't play. I am not sure that I am ready for that yet though. I want to see #18 on the field throwing the ball.
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
18 Jan 12
I don't know if this is the right move or not. When a team loses like the Colts did this season, the coach is the first to be blamed and the first to be fired! Not having Peyton Manning playing didn't help either! I didn't think the Colts would be so horrible without him! I know Peyton Manning wants to still play and it would be weird seeing him being released form the Colts! I am not sure what will happen! Whatever happens it will be interesting to say the least!
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
18 Jan 12
I do feel that the coach decision might have been a bad one because of the fact that Manning didn't play. However, it seems to me that Caldwell should have been able to get the team together and win some games. It seemed to me as a bystander that Caldwell was more worried about the first round draft pick being theirs than winning a game.
Indianapolis football is certainly going to look different next year and I hope they do not release Manning, unless it is to become Coach Manning.
