Indianapolis Colts: Why Timetable for Coaching Hire Shouldn't Concern Colts

Getting the right guy should be all that matters to Jim Irsay and Ryan Grigson, no matter how long it takes. This is the second of three crucial decisions for Grigson. He first chose to dispose of Jim Caldwell as head coach and now he must choose Caldwell's successor before he decides on the Peyton Manning situation.

According to the indystar.com, the search for the next head coach hasn't been narrowed much, the potential candidates list continues to grow. The Colts have named Jan. 27 as the day they will have appointed the next head coach in franchise history.

They must resist the temptation to name a head coach quickly. So even if, for some reason, they have not settled on a new head man by Friday, extending that time frame would make perfect sense.

It is understandable that the fan base may be in a hurry to find out who will lead their team on the sidelines. I contend it is even more vital that Grigson be sure he has selected a candidate who shares his philosophy on building a winner in Indy.

Right now, these are the candidates that have been mentioned in association with the Colts position:

Brad Seely - 49ers Special Teams Coach

Marc Trestman - CFL Montreal Alouettes

Chuck Pagano - Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator

Pete Carmichael Jr. - New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator

Jerry Gray - Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator

Jim Tressel - Ohio State (Though he is considered a long shot)

Mike Zimmer - Cincinnati Defensive Coordinator

Aaron Kromer - New Orleans Offensive Line/Running Game Coach Aaron Kromer

Brad Childress - Former Minnesota Vikings Coach

So many candidates with expertise from both sides of the ball and from different philosophies would lead you to believe that the on the field strategy for the new Colts era is still undetermined. At this point, to quote Grigson, "we want strong leadership."

There are no major names on this list, so is it possible he's looking for a head coach he can control? It certainly wouldn't be a ridiculous thought. He appears to be a very hands on type of guy and this situation brings on a tremendous pressure to succeed. I can understand him not wanting to bump heads with an established head coach. 

This will be the first head coach in a new era for the franchise and that is an important hire to say the least. This man is primarily responsible for the success of the first aspect of the Grigson era in Indy. If he doesn't tab the right candidate, it could lead to friction and issues that could derail the first aspect of his stint as a general manager.

The prospects that this franchise will be without the presence of Peyton Manning for the first time in 14 years is becoming more and more likely. Grigson seems ready to move in a different direction, as the Colts are poised to take Andrew Luck and possibly trade Peyton Manning. Manning's presence and effect on a franchise is unlike any other. He represents an era that has run its course in Jim Irsay and Grigson's eyes. This hire must help usher the new era in positively and Grigson must be sure and confident about his selection.

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