The Indianapolis Colts' search for their next general manager already is underway, league sources said Wednesday.
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Colts owner Jim Irsay has contacted several teams for permission to interview candidates who are under contract elsewhere, and he also is interviewing some currently on staff. The quick movement follows the firing of team president Bill Polian and general manager Chris Polian on Monday.
Colts director of player personnel Tom Telesco is under consideration, according to sources familiar with the hiring process, and Baltimore Ravens personnel executive Eric DeCosta also is high on the list. According to sources, the Colts have asked for permission to interview DeCosta, who also has garnered interest from the Chicago Bears after general manager Jerry Angelo was fired.
Irsay is expected to cut a wide swath of interviews, ranging from more experienced candidates -- possibly some who aren't currently in the NFL -- as well as younger, up-and-coming executives. The process could take several weeks, and Irsay might end up including coach Jim Caldwell as part of the process.
Irsay made it clear during his news conference Monday that he's in total control of all decisions and is in essence taking back control of his franchise. He acknowledged the Colts now are in a "rebuilding" phase and hinted the franchise could go in a different direction, rebuilding in a younger, cheaper mold around the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Irsay said he anticipated hiring the new GM before deciding Caldwell's fate, but he left the door open. Caldwell announced Wednesday the team would not renew the contract of special teams coordinator Ray Rychleski.
In all likelihood, the Colts' next GM won't hold the kind of power Bill Polian did. The movement into a new era also might not include quarterback Peyton Manning, who has a $28 million option bonus due in March and whose health is still very much in doubt.
