Irsay, Polian causing stir about Coach Caldwell’s status

There’s been a lot of talk about Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeting during coach Jim Caldwell’s press conference this week.

Irsay beat Caldwell to the punch in getting out the news that Kerry Collins was being brought in to fortify the team’s quarterback situation.

I suppose that’s just Jim Irsay being Jim Irsay. He loves to tweet and engage with the fans.

Later, Colts executive Bill Polian proclaims that Collins, not Curtis Painter, will start the opener if Peyton Manning can’t go.

It seems a bit odd that Polian, not Caldwell, would make that determination and proclamation, but Polian has always been a high-profile, hands-on executive. And there’s little doubt, he’s the architect of the Colts roster. It’s been that way for years.

Still, you’d think the coach should make a few on-field observations about Collins before that type of decision is made. Some Colts followers have surmised that since Collins is getting a fatter contract than Painter, and since Collins and Polian have history together, Collins automatically gets the nod.

I’d say the salary has more to do with Collins’ history in the league than the salary does about Collins’ status as being ahead or behind Painter on the depth chart.

Collins, by the way, is set to earn $4 million this year, putting him among the highest paid Colts. Painter will make $480,000, a fairly pedestrian sum by NFL standards. And to be fair, his performance thus far certainly hasn't merited a raise.

Still, Irsay and Polian’s recent actions have renewed a debate about Caldwell.

Is he a good coach or a puppet?  And is the current situation a healthy one for Caldwell, or any coach?

I’m not taking a stand on this one.

Feel free to share your thoughts.