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The Indianapolis Colts face a more significant decision than simply finding a replacement for Chris Ballard. After a decade of Ballard leading football operations, the franchise has a chance to reevaluate its decision-making hierarchy and the scope of influence for the next hire. That reassessment has brought a familiar name into the discussion: Peyton Manning.
Would the Colts' legendary former quarterback seriously consider an NFL front-office position, or would the organization be better served by seeking his counsel? Albert Breer raised the Manning question after Indianapolis fired Ballard. Speaking on the "10.19 Pod," Breer proposed that Ballard's departure could prompt the Colts to rethink their entire organizational structure, including whether Manning might play a role in the team's future.
"The Colts have fired their general manager, Chris Ballard, after a loss to the Titans. This, to me, opens the opportunity for them to look at, do we reimagine the organization?" Breer said. He cited the Atlanta Falcons, who engaged consultants during the previous season, as an example of a team evaluating its leadership before the year concluded. Conor Orr responded, "Here come the consultants." Breer then explained how a midseason front-office change could affect Indianapolis beyond the executive suite. "That means, going forward, the entire roster, no one can feel great about their place in Indianapolis going forward," he said.
The uncertainty could also extend to head coach Shane Steichen. Co-host Orr believes the head coach might become collateral damage as the franchise reassesses its leadership. He noted that coaches have long felt general managers receive greater protection due to their relationship with ownership.
This possibility brings Manning into the conversation. The Colts icon remains closely associated with the franchise, and Breer believes Indianapolis could at least explore his interest in a leadership position. "Do they call Peyton Manning? I've heard forever that Peyton Manning has an interest, and eventually, he's going to have an interest in running a team," Breer said. "I wonder if that's the first phone call you make now." Breer added that Manning could offer valuable advice even if he does not pursue the job. "At the very least, to get his insight because, you know, he knows everyone," he said.
Manning has not held a traditional NFL front-office position, and taking the job would mean weighing its demands against his work with Omaha Productions and ESPN's ManningCast. Indianapolis previously approached him about a leadership role before the 2017 season, but he declined. As things stand, Breer's comments raise a possibility rather than confirm a hiring plan. With Ballard gone, the Colts must decide whether to appoint a traditional general manager or consider a broader change in how the franchise operates.
Originally reported by yahoo.