The Colts timeline of moves

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay saw changes coming, but I can’t believe he thought there’d be so many drastic changes. After nine straight seasons of at least ten wins, Irsay’s Colts finished with the worst record in the National Football League.

At 2-14, the Colts now hold the top-pick in April’s NFL draft. Since the team’s last game of the season on January 1st, there has been a bold shift all around.

The timeline below details the Colts transformation:
+ July 30 – Peyton Manning signs five-year, $90M contract just before training camp begins.
+ September 8 – Manning has cervical fusion surgery, his third surgery in 19 months.
+ January 2 – Fired Vice Chairman Bill Polian and General Manager Chris Polian.
+ January 11 – Hired Ryan Grigson as General Manager.
+ January 17 – Fired Jim Caldwell as head coach.
+ January 25 – Hired Chuck Pagano as new head coach.
+ March 8 – Colts deadline for Peyton Manning’s $28M bonus.

Colts owner Jim Irsay warned Colts fans of what was to come, all the way back on September 12th. They had been the team of consistency and built from within. No excuses, no explanations.

There will b some shocking,dramatic,inspiring,unimaginable things happening n Coltsland the next 18 months…buckle up,stay faithful,BELIEVE

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) September 12, 2011

Peyton Manning’s health status is ultimately what caused the shuffle. As we learned during the 2011 season, when healthy, Manning covered up so many mistakes made by coaches and his teammates. He was a guy that made everyone better, both on and off the field.

With a new general manager and head coach, plenty of more changes are to come. Coach Pagano, a 3-4 defense guy, will likely change the reputation of the Colts on the field and with personnel.

Irsay warned of the next 18 months We’re just four months in. Saddle up, for what’s to come.

Follow Scott