General manager Ryan Grigson was vague earlier this week when pressed on the style of individual he wants as the Indianapolis Colts' next coach.
Things might be coming into focus.
The list of candidates to replace Jim Caldwell, who was fired Tuesday, includes Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. and Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.
A source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed plans were being made for Carmichael to meet with the Colts on Thursday evening or today, while a different source confirmed the team will interview Gray. ESPN reported the team also plans to discuss its vacancy with Zimmer.
The Colts declined comment Thursday on the search for Caldwell's replacement.
Grigson emphasized Tuesday that leadership will be a required trait for whomever is chosen to direct the team during its rebuilding process.
"There's a lot of other components," he said, "but we want strong leadership and we want someone who shares this vision in this new era of Colts football."
Grigson declined to discuss whether he's looking for a coach whose background primarily is on offense or defense.
"We want the best man and the best leader and the person that's going to get us where we want to go," he said. "And we're going to find that man."
Carmichael has emerged as one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds. He and Saints quarterback Drew Brees have been a productive tandem since arriving in New Orleans in 2006.
In 2011, the Saints set NFL single-season records with 7,474 total yards and 5,347 passing yards while piling up 547 points, the fourth-highest total in league history.
Brees eclipsed Dan Marino's single-season marks with 5,476 passing yards and broke his own record by completing 71.2 percent of his attempts.
Zimmer was in charge of a defense that in 2011 ranked No. 7 in total yards allowed and No. 9 in points. His NFL career as an assistant spans three teams and 18 seasons, the past 12 as a defensive coordinator.
Gray is coming off his first season as Tennessee's defensive coordinator. The Titans were tied for No. 18 in yards allowed last season and No. 8 in points.
While looking for the next coach to lead them, the Colts officially announced a major reduction in their staff of assistants. Only six remain from Caldwell's staff, including offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen.
Colts sign linebacker
The Colts signed linebacker Jerrell Freeman to a reserve/futures contract. Freeman (6-0, 234) spent the past three seasons playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where in 2011 he had 144 tackles and 13 sacks, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries to earn CFL all-star honors.
Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830.
Star reporter Phil Richards contributed to this story.
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