Sources: Jim Irsay Tried To Hire Jon Gruden As Colts Coach

Sources said that Colts Owner Jim Irsay "pursued" ESPN's Jon Gruden to become the team's coach, but the "MNF" analyst "resisted the overtures." Sources added that Gruden turned down the offer in part "because of the coaching restrictions" of the NFL's CBA. Meanwhile, Irsay also "met with Peyton Manning ," hoping he "would be interested in a front-office job." But that is "considered unlikely" ( ESPN.com, 1/14 ). The idea that Irsay is "dissatisfied" with GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano "just picked up a whole lot of steam" ( INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 1/15 ). The INDIANAPOLIS STAR's Gregg Doyel: "This is becoming fun. The Colts are a clown car" ( INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 1/15 ).