The Colts may have moved on from Chris Ballard, but the idea of Peyton Manning stepping into the job doesn’t appear to have much traction.
After Indianapolis fired Ballard on Monday, reports immediately tied Manning to the opening as a possible “first call.” But according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, that’s not where this is heading. The Hall of Fame quarterback has not been approached by the Colts about their vacant GM role, and there’s no sign he wants it.
“The Colts have not approached Manning about their vacant GM job nor would the Hall of Fame quarterback be expected to be interested in the position, sources said,” Schefter reported. “Manning has not trained or aspired to become an NFL general manager, not with all that he has going on in his life. … The timing to become an NFL general manager, which requires day-to-day attention, would not be right, according to sources.”
Ballard had served as Indianapolis’ general manager for nine-plus seasons before Monday’s firing, which came after the Colts stumbled to a 2-4 start.
That said, Schefter’s reporting also leaves the door open a crack. Manning isn’t shutting down all future NFL possibilities, just this one.
“Manning would be willing to listen and consider any NFL opportunities at any time, but the Colts have not discussed any of those possibilities with him, according to sources,” Schefter said. “It’s possible that some could come in the future, sources said, but those discussions likely would involve higher-profile positions similar to the ones that other former NFL quarterbacks have accepted with other franchises.”
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