When it comes to filling key jobs, many NFL teams keep their cards pressed tightly against their vest.
Not the Colts.
On Friday night, owner Jim Irsay disclosed on Twitter (where else?) that, by the end of the day on Monday, the Colts will have interviewed seven candidates for the vacant G.M. position.
One of the candidates is long-time CFL G.M. Jim Popp.
Irsay revealed Popp after offering “$200 and a Real NFL Football” to whoever guesses the name of the “dark horse” candidate from Canada.
And, of course, Irsay thereafter sought input on Popp from his Twitter followers. “Look at this man’s accomplishments!” Irsay wrote. “Does he deserve NFL shot or not a good fit in NFL??”
Apparently, Irsay liked what he saw: “It’s friday night,last call 4 beverage,and twitter world says Popp just might have right stuff! Holy shite!”
Popp has worked for the Montreal Alouettes for 16 seasons, currently serving as Vice President, General Manager, Director of Football Operations, and Director of Player Personnel. During his time there, the Alouettes have had only two non-winning seasons.
So, like the liquored-up kicker former Colts G.M. Bill Polian once found in Canada, Irsay possibly has found his next G.M. in the same place.
As summarized by the Indianapolis Star, the other six candidates are Falcons director of player personnel Les Snead, Falcons director of college scouting David Caldwell, Eagles director of player personnel Ryan Grigson, Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross, Cowboys assistant director of scouting Tom Ciskowski, and Colts director of player personnel Tom Telesco.
The consideration of low-profile and/or off-the-radar candidates could be aimed at ensuring that the next G.M. ultimately will agree happily with Irsay’s preferences regarding the three biggest issues facing the franchises: (1) the status of coach Jim Caldwell; (2) the future of quarterback Peyton Manning; and (3) whether to use the first overall pick on quarterback Andrew Luck.
