For twelve NFL seasons, Bill Polian has managed all Colts front office duties, and it has been this tour in Indy that has cemented Polian's status as a sure Hall of Famer. While he made his reputation with the great Buffalo Bills team he helped forged in the 1980s and 1990s, along with building a tremendous NFL expansion team with the Carolina Panthers in 1995, Polian's greatest NFL accomplishment was taking the woeful Indianapolis Colts and transform them into an NFL powerhouse. Polian is considered one of the best NFL Draft evaluators ever, selecting greats like Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Dwight Freeney, and Bob Sanders over lesser (but more popular names) like Ryan Leaf, Ricky Williams, and Wendall Bryant.
Yesterday, the Colts took steps to make certain Bill Polian sticks around a little longer, and when he finally does retire, another Polian will step up and take his place:
The contracts of team president Bill Polian and son Chris have been extended "through the 2012 season and beyond,'' Irsay said Thursday afternoon.
Chris Polian's new deal doesn't alter his daily responsibilities. But after serving as vice president of football operations four seasons, he's now general manager and will assume the day-to-day operation of the franchise whenever his father steps down.
This move makes clear that Chris Polian will not be interviewed when new GM jobs open up with other teams. Remember, the Atlanta Falcons wanted Chris Polian a few years ago, but Chris declined their offer to stay in Indy. Atlanta settled on former Patriots college scout director Thomas Dimitroff, and have seemingly done well for themselves.
This news means that we can expect at least three more seasons of Bill Polian in the draft room. A nice thought for Colts fans, indeed.