NFL COLTS' TRANSITION BECOMES MORE CHALLENGING

When Tony Dungy announced his retirement earlier this year as head coach of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, the team's accomplished general manager, Bill Polian, already had a plan in place and everyone kept marching on without missing a step. Jim Caldwell, an old Iowa Hawkeye teammate of mine, with whom I also had the pleasure of coaching with for a year on the college level, was taking the reins. Jim had been Peyton Manning's quarterback coach since 2002 and assistant head coach in recent years for Dungy.

But, a week or so ago the offensive staff took a big hit, two in fact, when offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd, both critical factors in the Colts incredible offensive production since 1998, tendered their resignation because of a very recent, abrupt change in the NFL coaches pension arrangement. Moore, 70, and Mudd, 67, would both have risked losing part of their hard-earned retirement money due to a change in policy. Evidently, the league owners voted to make the teams' contributions to the pension plan non-mandatory. Larry Kennan, who represents NFL assistants, said no one saw this coming and his group was not kept in the loop at all.

So, along with a new head coach, who also served as QB coach, the Colts offense will also have a new play-caller/coordinator replacing Moore and a new OL coach stepping up for Mudd. That's three major position changes. The Colts did the wise thing and stayed inside by elevating former WR coach Clyde Christensen to coordinator and former offensive quality control/OL assistant Pete Metzelaars to the lead OL post. There is no learning curve for either coach, just an exponential increase in the amount of responsibility.

Just as Tony Dungy set the mood and tempo for the Colts going about their business being a very successful team for most of the 21st century, Jim Caldwell will follow that lead in many ways by keeping the ship steady, worrying about taking care of business right now and not worrying about the past or future things that can't be controlled. He'll keep the team focused and motivated. That's why Indy put a plan in place for him to become their head coach rather than having to dodge offers each of the last three years from other NFL teams looking for a new boss.

Do not underestimate the profound effect Bill Polian has had on the two NFL teams where he has served as general manager--the Buffalo Bills and the Colts. Prior to his keen eye for talent, and his ability to effectively draft, trade, and structure contracts showed up at either front office, neither organization experienced the consistency and success that they enjoyed while on his watch.

Aside from Manning's long-time favorite target, WR Marvin Harrison, moving on, the Colts should not look very different when they line up offensively this fall. What remains to be seen is how well the OL protects the passer and opens holes for the running backs, along with the play-selection in critical down and distance situations. The good news for Colts fans who might be a bit concerned is that Manning is, in fact, the ultimate "maestro" running the offense and handling adjustments once the team breaks the huddle and goes to the line of scrimmage.