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Adam Schefter is reporting that Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has decided to fire general manager Ryan Grigson after five years on the job.
Colts have relieved GM Ryan Grigson of his duties, league source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2017
Grigson is largely responsible for the Colts’ failures to protect star quarterback Andrew Luck, focusing many resources on skill position players and ignoring needs along the offensive line (until finally addressing them this in last year’s draft).
His draft picks on the defensive side of the ball have consisted of many more misses than hits.
Why is the #Colts D so bad? Here are Ryan Grigson’s defensive draft picks from 2012-2015.
— Matt Glenesk (@MattGlenesk) January 18, 2017
3 of 12 remain on team. pic.twitter.com/sXBAAsWHl2
(The Titans added D’Joun Smith to the practice squad on November 29th.)
Jim Irsay is expected to officially announce the firing at 5:30PM ET. According to Ian Rapoport, HC Chuck Pagano’s job is believed to be safe.
#Colts coach Chuck Pagano is believed to be safe at this point, another source said. Jim Irsay should (maybe) have more at 5:30 pm.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2017
The timing of this firing seems odd, as reports began to leak out during the 2017 East-West Shrine game (an important scouting event leading up to the draft), and with the Senior Bowl practices getting underway next week. Whomever replaces Grigson as the Colts GM will be behind before they start.
Rapoport also mentioned a possible replacement candidate for the job.
If the #Colts go in-house, they have a strong candidate in Jimmy Raye III. Interviewed for #49ers job. Pagano & his coaches swear by him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2017
The Colts missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. It will be up to the next general manager to try and build a more competitive team around Luck, which Titans fans hope he fails to do.