The Colts have a bigger question to answer than who replaces Chris Ballard. After 10 years with Ballard running football operations, Indianapolis has a chance to rethink who makes the biggest decisions and how much influence the next hire will have.
That has also put a familiar name into the conversation: Peyton Manning. But would the franchise’s legendary former quarterback actually consider stepping into an NFL front office, or would the Colts be better off simply asking him for advice?
Albert Breer Raises Peyton Manning Question After Colts Fire Chris Ballard
Speaking on the “10.19 Pod,” Breer suggested Indianapolis could use Ballard’s departure to reconsider its entire organizational structure, including whether Peyton Manning could have a role in the franchise’s future.
“The Colts have fired their general manager, Chris Ballard, after a loss to the Titans. This, to me, opens the opportunity for them to look at, do we reimagine the organization?” Breer said.
He pointed to the Atlanta Falcons, who brought in consultants during the previous season, as an example of a team evaluating its leadership before the year ended. Conor Orr responded, “Here come the consultants.”
Breer then explained how a midseason front-office change could affect Indianapolis beyond its executive suite. “That means, going forward, the entire roster, no one can feel great about their place in Indianapolis going forward,” he said.
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The uncertainty could also extend to coach Shane Steichen. Co-host Conor Orr believes the head coach might become collateral damage as the franchise reassesses its leadership. He noted that coaches have long felt general managers receive greater protection because of their relationship with ownership.
This possibility brings Manning into the conversation. The Colts icon remains closely associated with the franchise, and Breer believes Indianapolis could at least explore his interest in a leadership position.
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“Do they call Peyton Manning? I’ve heard forever that Peyton Manning has an interest, and eventually, he’s going to have an interest in running a team,” Breer said. “I wonder if that’s the first phone call you make now.”
Breer added that Manning could offer valuable advice even if he does not pursue the job. “At the very least, to get his insight because, you know, he knows everyone,” he said.
Manning has not held a traditional NFL front-office position, and taking the job would mean weighing its demands against his work with Omaha Productions and ESPN’s ManningCast. Indianapolis previously approached him about a leadership role before the 2017 season, but he declined.
As things stand, Breer’s comments raise a possibility rather than confirm a hiring plan. With Ballard gone, the Colts must decide whether to appoint a traditional general manager or consider a broader change in how the franchise operates.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.