The Indystar.com reports: The Indianapolis Colts’ transition from 2009 Super Bowl participant to 2010 Super Bowl contender is in full swing, yet fluid.
Coach Jim Caldwell said this morning before heading into the ongoing NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium that the process of moving beyond the 31-17 loss to New Orleans in Super Bowl XLIV “starts over right about now.
“The combine is usually a pretty good indicator.”
Caldwell, who directed the Colts to a 16-3 record in his first season after replacing Tony Dungy, declined to dwell on the Super Bowl setback.
“That’s behind us,” he said. “I’m looking ahead.”
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Immediate concerns include finalizing the coaching staff and dealing with the league’s free-agent period, which begins Friday.
Long-time offensive line coach Howard Mudd has retired and the Colts, according to a team source, have brought in Ron Turner to serve in an unspecified capacity. The status of offensive coordinator Tom Moore also is unclear — whether he returns for a 13th season, whether he returns in an altered role or whether he retires.
“Not everything is solidified,” Caldwell said. “We’re still negotiating, still talking, still working some things out.”
And Moore?
“Tom’s been great for us,” Caldwell said. “I’m anticipating he’s coming back, (but) it’s still up in the air.”
The Colts also must finalize their approach to free agency. At the top of the list is re-signing linebacker and defensive captain Gary Brackett to a long-term contract.
Several players will be restricted free agents, including safeties Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt and offensive tackle Charlie Johnson.
“We’re in constant evaluation,’’ Caldwell said.
The Colts begin their offseason conditioning program in mid-April, which gives the players sufficient time to recover from the rigors of ’09.
“Even though we might start a little late, the great majority of our guys are intrinsically motivated,” Caldwell said. “I would not doubt that some of them have started already. That’s how our team is formulated, with guys that have that kind of drive and desire.”
