Why Firing Jim Caldwell Doesn't Solve All of the Colts' Problems

The Indianapolis Colts have obviously had a horrendous season, and head coach Jim Caldwell may not survive what has become a historically bad year. But while the 0-13 Colts may fire their head coach, that won't come close to solving all of the team's problems.

When four-time MVP quarterback Peyton Manning was first out thanks to neck surgery, everyone knew Indianapolis would suffer a drop-off. Manning was good enough to cover up for many of the team's deficiencies, but I don't think anyone knew just how much he meant to the Colts.

Without Manning, Indianapolis has suffered on both sides of the ball and at a number of positions. The Colts have major holes all over their roster, and simply canning Caldwell won't fill them. Indianapolis may need a new head coach, but it also needs an incredibly productive draft top to bottom—something the Colts haven't had in a while—and some astute free agent signings.

Caldwell seems like a nice guy, and he led the team to the Super Bowl during his first season in 2010. Some would argue that that happened because he was just continuing what Tony Dungy had done before him. Still, Caldwell showed up every day and went to work.

While this is probably Caldwell's last season as the head guy in Indianapolis, he doesn't bear the brunt of the blame. The Colts have a terribly thin roster that has been exposed as woefully under-talented.

Guys like Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Jeff Saturday entered the season as perennial Pro Bowlers and have looked average without Manning running the show. Meanwhile, the team's offensive and defensive lines have been horrible, while the secondary and linebacking corps need infusions of talent.

The Colts currently rank 31st in the NFL in total offense (283.4 yards per game) and 28th in the league in total defense (allowing 384.8 yards per game). Simply firing their head coach will not turn things around. The team's roster also needs a top-to-bottom overhaul.