13 WTHR IndianapolisPolians fired by Colts

Indianapolis Colts' owner Jim Irsay has fired Bill Polian and his son, Chris, as members of the team's executive staff.

"We're moving in a different direction in terms of Bill and Chris Polian," Irsay said in a press conference Monday afternoon.

The owner said he spoke with the Polians Monday afternoon about the firings.

"It was a very tough decision for me," Irsay said. "Had a chance to express to them and, to Bill in particular, how hard it was and the appreciation the franchise has for all that's been done by Bill. Him and I go back 30 years, so this was difficult."

Polian was hired as president after the 1997 season. He drafted quarterback Peyton Manning as one of his first moves with the team. Chris Polian served as general manager with the Colts.

"It was time. It was the right decision to make," Irsay said. "Fourteen years is a long time in this league. A lot of great memories. Been through a lot with Bill and treasure all those memories."

Irsay called Polian a "hall of famer" and suggested that he would be honored in the team's "Ring of Honor" in the future.

He said the process of hiring the next president could take "multiple weeks."

"I'm excited about our new direction. It's a new era. We're moving into exciting times, by my estimation. I think that in terms of the search for the new GM, that begins immediately. I have not contacted any teams yet, I have not contacted any general managers," Irsay said. "This is not like 1997, where I removed Jim Tobin and replaced him with Bill Polian in a matter of hours."

The fate of Colts coach Jim Caldwell is not immediately known, though several other media outlets are reporting that he will be fired as well.

"I met with Jim Caldwell. Right now, that is still under evaluation," Irsay said.

Irsay also said he expected the new general manager to be in place before decisions are made about the coaching staff, but that Caldwell could be back as head coach.

"Not out of the realm of possibilities," Irsay said.

With Manning sidelined for the year, the Colts wrapped up a disastrous 2-14 season on Sunday with a loss to the Jaguars in Jacksonville. The loss guaranteed the club will get the first overall pick in April's NFL Draft. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is widely believed to be the best player available.

Polian statement

Bill Polian released a statement Monday about his firing.

"I would like to thank Jim Irsay and the Irsay family for all they have done for me over the past 14 years. I'm grateful for all the support the fans have shown us in good times and bad. Indianapolis has been a wonderful place to live and work. Most of all I would like to thank the players, coaches and staff who have played the pivotal role in this magnificent journey. I will miss them all."