Colts: Peyton Manning is Not Ready to Run a Franchise

Reportedly, Indianapolis Colts‘ owner Jim Irsay has repeatedly tried to get Peyton Manning to accept a front office job with his team. Manning has declined all of Irsay’s pleas, which is a good thing for him and Indianapolis.

Obviously, the pursuit of Manning also coincided with a reported pursuit of ESPN analyst Jon Gruden. Gruden completely shut the door on head coaching the Colts while Manning appears interested in working in Indy, but maybe just not right now.

The timing is not right for Manning to return to the Colts. He is still trying to relax and enjoy his retirement. Remember, he has not been retired for a full year yet.

Also, he probably has not been as focused on football as he was when he was playing. He has spent a lot of time on his business ventures with Nationwide or Papa John’s. As a result, he may not be watching football as in-depth as he used to.

There is nothing wrong with that because he is retired. However, to be the head of football operations, one needs to be motivated to living, breathing and thinking about football all day, every day.

Manning is smart enough to be a head of football operation and disciplined enough to focus on football 24/7. However, this is the key question: Is he motivated enough to take on that lifestyle again?

His unwillingness to accept a front office job with the Colts despite Irsay’s multiple pleas suggests he is not ready to take on that responsibility. This makes it the right decision for him and the Colts.

The Colts could use someone with Manning’s eye for talent. However, they also need someone who is fully committed to the job, and Manning would not be if he took the job right now,

Also, Manning is a calculated person. He is not taking an opportunity unless he knows he is prepared or fully committed to doing the job the right way. He knows he has not devoted enough time towards becoming a successful front office employee.

Another reason Manning may not want to return to Indy right now is he does not want the pressure of the job. If he joins the Colts now, he would like be forcing out Chuck Pagano and Ryan Grigson.

While everyone would understand those dismissals, Manning does not want to start his front office career with that move. Again, he is a calculated person and is generally sensitive to these sort of moves.

Look, nothing would make Colts’ fan happier than seeing Manning return to the Colts in some official capacity. They would be even happier if he was the one to replace Grigson. While this scenario sounds great, it is not the right time for the Colts or Manning to make this move.

Next: Colts: Former NFL Scout Speaks Out Against GM Ryan Grigson

He is not ready, and it appears that football is not a priority for him. Eventually, Manning may decide he wants to commit to being a general manager, but until he makes that decision, the Colts should hold off on any more job offers.