Indianapolis Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay addressed the media this evening to announce that Vice Chairman Bill Polian and Vice President and General Manager Chris Polian have been relieved from their current responsibilities.
"I talked to (both Bill and Chris Polian) this afternoon and it was a very tough decision for me," said Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay. "I had a chance to express to them, and Bill in particular how hard it was and the appreciation the franchise has for all that has been done. Obviously, (Bill) and I go back 30 years. So this is difficult, this is the tough part of this business."
Bill Polian originally joined the club in 1998 as the team's General Manager. Under his direction, the Colts made the playoffs in 11 seasons while reaching the divisional, conference or league title round in six of the past nine years and the Super Bowl twice since 2006. Indianapolis has also won eight division titles (1999, 2003-07, 09-10) during Polian's tenure. His expertise was prevalent in the NFL Draft as he was responsible for picks such as Peyton Manning (1998), Edgerrin James (1999), Reggie Wayne (2001), Dwight Freeney (2002), Dallas Clark (2003), Robert Mathis (2003), Bob Sanders (2004), Joseph Addai (2006) and Pierre Garcon (2008). Polian also found key free agents in Jeff Saturday, Mike Vanderjagt, Gary Brackett and Adam Vinatieri.
Chris Polian started his tenure with the team in 1998 as the club's Director of Pro Scouting. He has been involved actively in every phase of the club's football operations since joining the franchise, which includes serving as the team's Vice President and General Manager for the past four seasons.
For more information, visit the Colts new media website, media.colts.com. Media members can access press releases, transcripts, daily notes, game releases and media schedules/availabilities. The website also offers access to the 2011 media guide as well as the ability to request season and game-by-game credentials.
