Report: Jim Caldwell Will Be Fired... But Only If Colts Go 0-16

by Brad Wells on Dec 15, 2011 8:02 AM EST in 2011 Colts News

The logic from the decision-makers at West 56th Street in Indianapolis continues to elude me and just about everyone else viewing this train wreck season of the Colts from afar.

According to Jason La Confora of NFL.com, should the Colts go 0-16 in 2011, head coach Jim Caldwell will be fired. La Confora reported this last night, and he cites 'sources close to the situation.' It's also worth noting that La Confora just recently finished an exclusive one-on-one interview with Colts owner Jim Irsay, which aired last night on NFL Total Access.

Put two and two together, and then take a big, fat guess as to who La Confora's source 'close to the situation' is.

Here are my feelings on this story, and I'm sure you have similar issues: Let's say the Colts win a game, or three. Does Caldwell then get to keep his job? How does 1-15 earn you job security, whereas 0-16 means you're packing up your office supplies?

And, since when did anyone 'close to the situation' think that Jim Caldwell truly coaches this team? The man doesn't even have control over who starts. The Polians control this team. Every aspect of it. A head coach is nothing more than their on-field puppet while they sit up in the sky box seats, patting each other on the back. Where are the Polians and the rest of the front office in this 'you're fired if we go 0-16' mess? Does Irsay honestly think that Jim Caldwell alone is responsible for this season?

If he does, Jim Irsay is a complete idiot.

I mean, seriously. A grown man who has billions of dollars stuffed in his pockets cannot be this blindly ignorant, can he?

Was it Caldwell who drafted busts like Jerry Hughes, Tony Ugoh, Mike Pollak, and Donald Brown? Was it Caldwell who decided that Curtis Painter was a legit quarterback, even though three full preseasons had effectively proven he can't play at this level?

I'll just say this: Regardless of whether the Colts win any games the rest of the year, it will be impossible for Irsay to sell to fans that the Polians and Caldwell deserve to keep their jobs. Hell, people are wondering why firings haven't already taken place like they have on teams in Kansas City and Miami in recent weeks.

The longer Irsay delays the inevitable and the obvious decision he must make (aka, firing the Polians and the coaching staff), the less credible he looks as an owner who truly controls his team. The Colts are a dysfunctional mess, and the reason they are is Bill Polian and his idiot son that everyone refers to as 'toxic.' Caldwell shares some of the responsibility, but the source of the dysfunction and the reason for the losing are the decisions of the people in charge. Those people are named 'Polian.'

If Irsay cannot see that and, more importantly, if he is unwilling to do anything about it, I don't know how anyone can honestly root for this franchise going forward. Seriously, how can you, a fan, willing give money and support to something seemingly run by monkeys? How is Irsay not firing Polian and his son at season's end any different than some of the insane stupidity we've seen in recent years from owners like Jerry Jones or Daniel Snyder?

I also don't see how someone like Peyton Manning would want anything to do with this Irsay-owned backwater circus should he be healthy enough to play in 2012.

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Comments

0-16 a good thing?

BBS – First, thanks for writing this year. I know your frustration has been incredibly high with the team, and it has come out in your writing. (a bit) I hope you are able to relax when not writing about the Colts.

I think it was obvious if he goes 0-16 he can’t come back just due to lack of respect. I’ll be surprised if the Colts go 1-15 if he comes back either.

Yeah, I'm Shure.

by Music Man on Dec 15, 2011 8:16 AM EST reply actions

I'd say he's gone regardless....

I’m an outsider, but I really view this as a publicity issue to quell the people who think the team really is tanking for Luck. I’m not making that accusation, but there certainly are many who have. If they act like 1 or 2 wins is a big deal then obviously all they care about is winning, right?

Go-Go Gadget Tebow!!!!

by Kgrone on Dec 15, 2011 8:19 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

agreed!

This has been a clusterF of a season. clean house, start over, and get back to glory. I’ve been a fan long enough to remember the “dark” years, but those years made our peak years even better. Let’s ride that roller coaster again, but hopefully the dip is only one season this time. This year did two good things for the Colts… improved the running game and we lost many of the fair-weather/shitty fans.

by Nason on Dec 15, 2011 8:26 AM EST reply actions

YOU'RE HEADLINE IS MISLEADING AND INACCURATE

Pro Football talk had an item on this. The story did not say Caldwell will be fired “only” if the Colts go 0-16. The story said it was an open question as to wether or not Caldwell will be fired regardless of the outcome of the last 3 games.
I know you have an agenda but you should at least try to be honest in your reporting.

by javen on Dec 15, 2011 8:38 AM EST reply actions

Headline

The headline isn’t misleading. Read the source link, then calm down.

Also, YOUR ALL CAPS BUTTON IS ON

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.

by Brad Wells on Dec 15, 2011 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

OK LETS

look at this logically. Do you really believe that Caldwell will keep his job if the Colts win one of their last three games? Does that make any sense at all?

by javen on Dec 15, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

Right?

So 0-16 is an automatic disqualifier, but 1-15 is, coach keeps his job?

Makes no sense to me either

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

AGREED

it doesn’t make any sense. The headline and article were used because it supports the meme,Caldwell, Polians and Irsay are all dumb and destroying the franchise.

by javen on Dec 15, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

They are.

by Ayrshire on Dec 15, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

What's that have to do with the HEADLINE?

In the world of Polian, anything can be reality. Really. Who knows what goes into making that decision if the Colts win one game. Which game are you talking about? The Texans? The South Division winner? That would be a nice win. The Jags, while not a great win, maybe certain players step up and show promise that didn’t before. A lot can be read from a game besides just a W or L. Three rousing performances by the team, even if they result in losses could be enough to save Caldwell’s job.

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster

by Rip Jersey on Dec 15, 2011 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

It doesn't make any sense.

That’s the problem. I could see Caldwell sticking if he wins a game or two. I’d put the odds at 75-25 goes to stays if he wins 1/2 games.

It should be 100% goes.

by ActionOxford on Dec 15, 2011 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

1-15 = 0-16

Should be, from a coaching standpoint.

by Ty46 on Dec 15, 2011 8:42 AM EST reply actions

Caldwell is 0 for the NFL...

without Peyton Manning. Winless this year and couldn’t win two games in 2009 without him. The Colts, literally, can’t win a game unless Manning plays the entire game – even the team that would have gone undefeated, couldn’t win a game without Manning. That’s crazy.

by Yougotme on Dec 15, 2011 8:42 AM EST reply actions

Fired

Hire Peyton, be will be player coach.

As I type this It doesn’t sound stupid

Division Champion Houston Texans
Wade Aid Is the Best Drink in the League.
The next time I read about our 3rd string QB, I might just Choke a Bitch.
2-0 Starting Rookie QB, get it right.

by WreckNTexan on Dec 15, 2011 8:43 AM EST reply actions

But as we read it...the opposite

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions

Funny

As I read about Jim Caldwell not being fired if he finishes 1-15, I find that all very stupid.

Division Champion Houston Texans
Wade Aid Is the Best Drink in the League.
The next time I read about our 3rd string QB, I might just Choke a Bitch.
2-0 Starting Rookie QB, get it right.

by WreckNTexan on Dec 15, 2011 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

I agree 100% with u on that

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

So confused

I want Caldwell gone as much as anyone else here, but now I have to actually root for my favorite team to finish a historic failure of a season before any changes are made??

I’m stunned.

What do I really have left in life but this place? It ain't much of a home, but it's all I got. Well, g******it. I'll be damned if I let some foreign, graffiti writin', soul suckin', son of a bitch in an oversized cowboy hat and boots take my friend's souls and sh** 'em down the visitors toilet!

by Guy LeDouche on Dec 15, 2011 8:48 AM EST reply actions

Guy,...nothing from Irsay should ever stun you.

Know what I mean?

by Ayrshire on Dec 15, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions

what about your notes from the BP show?

I thought BP said something along the lines of he hopes Jim Caldwell doesn’t go 0-16 so his job isn’t in jeopardy?

by coltsfanbeforemanning on Dec 15, 2011 8:57 AM EST reply actions

notes from the show:

“A caller asked Polian if Caldwell will be fired and then asked why it took so long to go with Dan Orlovsky at quarterback. Polian responded, ‘My fervent hope is that Jim’s job is not in jeopardy because my fervent hope is that we don’t go 0-16, and we’re doing everything we can to try and avoid that.’”

by coltsfanbeforemanning on Dec 15, 2011 8:59 AM EST up reply actions

you gotta be kidding me...

Thats rediculous.

The Indianapolis Colts are going to be the 1st team to win a super bowl in their own stadium. 'nuff said.

by It'sAlways18 on Dec 15, 2011 11:48 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Sheer idiocy and hubris

Keeping Caldwell rather than admitting a mistake is both.

by Nosewiper on Dec 15, 2011 9:11 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Am I missing something?

Caldwell has done a Terrific! Job this year! Bill Polian has assured me of that fact!

Seriously though, Fire them all. Polians and Caldwell. If they are here next year, what kind of a message does that send to a fanbase who has been very loyal during this mess this year?

The Hair of the Dog Sports Blog
Follow me on Twitter: @coldy4goldy

by coldy4goldy on Dec 15, 2011 9:26 AM EST reply actions

BBS you need to take a break.

You’re devolving into a rabid, raving dog. I agree with the premise of your argument, but calling Irsay or CPolian “idiots” or saying the team is ran by monkeys doesn’t help make your case. Regardless of the validity of your statements, take the higher road. It’s been a long season for us all, but our reward will com in paradise. It will take the form of Andrew Luck.

by clnbailey on Dec 15, 2011 9:28 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

Really, REALLY???

Donald Brown is a Bust??? Dude, I can usually find a way to understand why you come up with stuff……But I think you are way of on this statement.

by tim55 on Dec 15, 2011 9:52 AM EST reply actions

As 1st rounders go, Donald Brown is a TOTAL bust.

If he was a 5th round pick… he might get a pass.

by SoCalHoosier on Dec 15, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

When he gets a shot at a decent amount of carries, he produces

We can fight about this if they give him a shot at 16-22 carries a game. Slow to develop, maybe. But bust? I don’t agree.

by tim55 on Dec 15, 2011 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

Caldwell

Caldwell could have become the only coach to go 16-0 and go 0-16 in another.

by GrizzColt on Dec 15, 2011 10:33 AM EST reply actions

That

should tell you that it’s not all about coaching….it’s about Peyton Manning.

by GrizzColt on Dec 15, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

consider...

Last year the Colts averaged 27.2 points a game, that would have been good enough for an 8-5 record this year. The Colts have many holes to fill in the draft and free agency, but none more important than a QB that can sustain a drive, score in the red-zone, and give the defense a rest so they stand a better chance of holding a team to under 27 points.

That said, I hope Peyton plays the next 3-4 years, and the Colts draft defense first for a change. I don’t care who they draft to replace him, he’s NOT going to succeed with the current defense.

by James Busch on Dec 15, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

And, we have another friendly reminder

So, again folks, simply saying HEY, YOUR HEADLINE IS MISLEADING or saying random comments about how this article is just me ‘misleading’ readers is no different than mindless trolling. Mindless trolls see their comments deleted, and if they continue they see their commenting rights vanish.

If you’re simply here to bash me and say I’m a liar, you’re going to quickly find yourself lurking rather than contributing. Them’s the rules of the house. If you don’t like the rules, read somewhere else.

I realize this is a frustrating year, and everyone is pissed off. however, the ‘shoot the messenger’ mentality we Colts fans are legendary for is not tolerated in our blog’s comments.

So, play nice and understand that if you don’t like or agree with an opinion expressed, write-up a nice response as to WHY you disagree. We enjoy reading comments like that.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.

by Brad Wells on Dec 15, 2011 11:10 AM EST reply actions

Here's my thought out comment:

YOUR HEADLINE IS MISLEADING.

Nobody ever said Caldwell would be back if the Colts went 1-15. Even PFT articulated that his job wasn’t certain if they didn’t go 0-16. How do you defend that headline?

Just saying that the headline isn’t misleading w/o defending yourself is just as bad as trolling. It’s an abuse of power.

by James Broschat on Dec 15, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs

Maybe the James Broschat blog is more perfect

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster

by Rip Jersey on Dec 15, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

thumbs down to your brown nosing

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions

Don't you have an episode of 'Oprah' to watch?

by Ayrshire on Dec 15, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

If BBS and others can rip the Colts even though they have never worked in football

Why can’t we criticize BBS w/o having a blog?

by James Broschat on Dec 15, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs

Excellent question!!!!

by Guy LeDouche on Dec 15, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

I see headlines all the time that I think I could improve

But, I don’t waste my time harping on it or ridiculing the writer for it. The bigger picture is Caldwell, Polian and the Colts, not who’s commenting on them. You obviously have a personal issue with the writer so you nitpick small meaningless details. I think we would all appreciate some well-stated conversation on the greater subject; Caldwell’s future with the Colts.

How do you feel about Caldwell returning? Do you think winning one/any of the remaining games should have any bearing on him returning?

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster

by Rip Jersey on Dec 15, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

I "harp" on it

because it gives an impression to readers that simply isn’t true. And that pisses me off.

by James Broschat on Dec 15, 2011 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

so

your pissed at 99% of all journalism out there today then.

by Straight Out The Burbs on Dec 15, 2011 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

Nope.

by James Broschat on Dec 16, 2011 12:19 AM EST up reply actions

Do you have any other opinions besides that you read the headline and felt misled?

Do you like Caldwell? Do you think he can salvage his job in these last three weeks?

I have to wonder, what can any coach do with this team. Don’t you think there are a lot of holes besides QB and coaching? I think the Polians should carry most of the blame, but aren’t they the best option for turning it around?

Colts fans should be frustrated, but they shouldn’t be taking their frustrations out on writers who post articles and fashion the headlines to be attention-grabbing.

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster

by Rip Jersey on Dec 16, 2011 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

Yes.

No. No. At least, I hope not. His coaching has been bad ever since he was hired. His gameday coaching anyway, has always been bad. He seems to be a good leader and motivator, but isn’t good at adjustments/decisions in game. After the DB debacle this year, I’m not so sure he’s any good at talent evaluating either.

Yes, there are other holes than QB and coaching, but they are not nearly as pronounced as it seems. Injuries and having awful quarterbacks make the holes seem bigger than they are. And yes, I agree, the Polians are our best bet going forward, at this point anyway.

I’ve said all this before though. And I’ll always call out writers who intentionally mislead their readers. No other website reported this story this way, only this one because he wanted to frame it to fit his agenda.

by James Broschat on Dec 16, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

I think the writer is expressing he frustration with the team and all we have discussed

I think that is his agenda. I can’t blame him. It’s a winless season and everyone is going to vent in different ways.

Starting today, how would you prescribe the team going? I will try to read the tea leaves and answer that myself. I think you would like to see a new coach. And, since this season is already a total loss, might as well do it now. I will impose my own viewpoint on this. Since other teams have already dropped the axe on their head coaches and there may be others doing the same, I think it is doubly important to do it ASAP, so that you are more able to go out and get the guy you want. Timing is a big part of finding a new coach, I am saying.

Okay, that takes care of the coaching.

Holes won’t get filled between now and the start of free agency. However, you can get a step up by playing personnel that hasn’t seen a lot of playing time, so you can see what you have in these last three games. A new coach has nothing to lose and can do that, but an existing coach has incentive to try to win, so I think that gives us another reason to let Caldwell go now. I don’t see Caldwell playing for the future. I see him playing for this week.

Then the draft. I will stop here, because I don’t know the team well enough to comment on that.

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster

by Rip Jersey on Dec 16, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

You have must not have read BBS very long.

Which is understandable, because you’re a Texans fan.

But he does this shit all the time. Just because the team is bad doesn’t give you an excuse to be misleading. You have a blog on SB Nation that isn’t run like this. Colts fans don’t. The other Colts blogs have ok content, but the layout sucks and the commenting is lame. This is the best option for discussion and it’s fucking frustrating when it’s run like this.

I’m done ranting now. In terms of Caldwell, the faster he’s gone, the better.

by James Broschat on Dec 16, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Did you view the video with Polian's comment?

“My fervent hope is that Jim’s job is not in jeopardy because my fervent hope is that we don’t go 0-16”

That could easily be interpreted that if he doesn’t win a game he’s out and if he wins one, he’s not out.

Based on that, I don’t think the headline is misleading.

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover." - Undrafted Free Agent and NFL Rushing Leader Arian Foster

by Rip Jersey on Dec 16, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

CRAZY COLTS

Are the front office crazy? Other teams fired their HC before the end of the season and they are not 0-13
I think Caldwell should be fire ASAP whith all his coaching staff

by Violeta C on Dec 15, 2011 11:17 AM EST reply actions

2 things

1. There are a couple of coaches on the team that actually are doing well. LB coach (Murry I think) that was promoted to DC interm and Metzalars (OL) have done a good job.

2. Does anyone know if Polian has ever fired a coach during the season? I don’t think most GM’s like to do it unless they feel they might have the guy to take over next year on staff. The Colts certainly don’t have that.

Yeah, I'm Shure.

by Music Man on Dec 15, 2011 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I dont understand the point of fireing head coaches with a month, or less, left in the season

Dont get me wrong, Im all on the fire Caldwell bandwagon. Personally, i think he should go before either of the Polians, though I think Bill should just go and let Chris take over.

My point is, the season is over, so what does it help? It helps nothing, cept maybe get you a head start on hiring a new coach, but NFL teams wont hire anyone officially till the actual season ends anyways.

Whomever we move up to take Caldwells job, would be gone at years end anyways…unless they watn Tressel to be our next HC, there is no one else on the staff who coudl be our HC next year

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Colts go 0-16 this season.

I believe Irsay ,Polian and Caldwell are all in bed together at this point. Until I see a splitting apart of this gang of three be prepared to run get a record book each week to see how badly a team can get beat.

by bridgeman1981 on Dec 15, 2011 11:35 AM EST reply actions

A grown man who has billions of dollars stuffed in his pockets cannot be this blindly ignorant, can he?

Well, when you didnt earn it, when it was merely GIVEN to you, then yeah, its definitely possible to be a billionaire, AND an idiot…Its par for the Irsay course.
Seriously, havent we been reading his mindless tweets for the last year?

Go Blue!

Revenue - Expenses = Profit

by dezznutz1001 on Dec 15, 2011 11:38 AM EST reply actions

BBS/Stew/Pun or someone with SB – I would like to see an article put together highlighting the talent coordinators and the draft selections we have had with BP (aka NApolian) was the GM!! The reason I ask this is simple… we know some really talented people have left this team and the draft selections have gone down. So, if these people left for other teams… did those teams draft much better with those that left us? Did we start drafting worse when those people really left? Did we just have a few bad years of selections?
We can have the first pick this year or 5 picks in every round… but if we do NOT have the talent coordinators to draft correctly we are basically given a golden opportunity that the FO is just going to squat over and dump on.

by TheSpear on Dec 15, 2011 11:53 AM EST reply actions