Owner Jim Irsay introduced Ryan Grigson as the Indianapolis Colts' new general manager today at the team's Westside complex.
By Michael Conroy, AP
Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson speaks during his introductory press conference.
Grigson made a strong first impression, tall, self-assured, immaculately turned out in a dark suit. If he can deliver on his opener --- "My goal is to bring this team back to where it was and build on it and do great things" --- he will make a lasting impression, too.
Irsay identified and interviewed seven candidates, several of whom had been targeted by other teams, but he traced the process back to where it began with 25 or 30 possibilities.
"It was a long, extensive process in terms of identifying the candidates and whittling them down and determining who the best man was," Irsay said. "We got the best man."
Irsay said after the news conference that Grigson has a four-year contract with a team option for a fifth year.
The introductory news conference was warm and welcoming but short on specifics. Grigson interviewed twice with the Colts, the second time being Tuesday, when Irsay reached his decision. So Grigson's wife, Cynthia, had to bring the suit he wore today from back home in Philadelphia.
Grigson barely had time to shift his focus from his duties as the Philadelphia Eagles director of player personnel. He hadn't spoken with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. He had only briefly said hello to coach Jim Caldwell. He hadn't begun to look at the 53-man roster and the contract status of its members. He hadn't begun to think about how the players fit a 4-3 or a 3-4 defensive scheme.
"We're going to do everything from A to Z. We're going to cover every corner of the building," he said, adding it will take time because there is so much to discuss and study and review.
"I'm not going to have time to do much but to grind tape. I have an impression of the people on the roster but I've got to lock myself in my office and put a don't disturb sign on the door and work until I knock it out."
Irsay said a decision on whether to retain or replace Caldwell and his staff probably won't come until early next week.
Grigson spent nine years with the Eagles, the past two working closely with general manager Howie Roseman as director of player personnel and the previous four as director of college scouting. During that time, the Eagles took LeSean McCoy, the NFL's No. 2 rusher this season, and two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
But he hasn't faced the set of challenges he confronts here.
There's the determination of whether or not to pay a $28 million option bonus on March 8 to quarterback Peyton Manning, who is rehabilitating from Sept. 8 neck surgery. Manning becomes an unrestricted free agent if it's not paid.
There are 30-something Pro Bowl Colts such as defensive end Robert Mathis, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and center Jeff Saturday with expiring contracts. They must be signed to new deals amidst severe salary cap constraints or be let go.
And there is the April 26-28 draft, in which the Colts hold the first pick. Grigson admitted he has little experience in dealing with the salary cap. He said he will lean on Irsay and his people for support. He said he will attempt to strike a balance between humility and confidence and dive in.
"I love football. I love scouting. I love people," Grigson said. "And I think I'm good at what I do because all those things come naturally to me. It's all about finding talent. You either know it, can see it or sense it, or you don't."
Grigson played offensive tackle and tight end at Purdue, where he was a team captain as a senior in 1994. He played one season for Detroit and one for Toronto in the CFL before suffering a career-ending back injury after being taken in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL draft by Cincinnati.
Irsay said that five minutes into the first interview, he knew there was something special about Grigson and that the feeling wouldn't be fleeting. He said the Colts structure will be the traditional owner-G.M. model: the general manager will have control over the 53-man roster and the coaching staff with the owner retaining the final and ultimate vote.
"I think as we go forward Ryan is a riser," Irsay said. "He's a guy who's going to continue to get better. He has the tools, all the talent and he's going to continue to rise."
The search that netted Grigson required only nine days. Irsay fired club vice chairman Bill Polian and vice president/general manager Chris Polian on Jan 2., the day after they finished the season 2-14, tied for the NFL's worst record with the Rams.
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