Indianapolis Colts

Jay Glazer: Colts owner Jim Irsay pushing to hire Peyton Manning as head of football

Published Jan. 18, 2017 8:46 p.m. ET

Andrew Lynch

The Indianapolis Colts want to bring Peyton Manning back in a big way — and in an ideal world, they'd pair him with Jon Gruden.

FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer reports that Colts owner Jim Irsay made a "strong push" to hire Manning as head of football, with Gruden as Indianapolis' head coach. What's more, the door might not be closed on the possibility.

https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/820370968002428928

ESPN first reported Irsay "pursued" the Monday Night Football analyst to coach the Colts, but Gruden denied having any conversation with the team owner.

https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/820375328799408128

Earlier this month, Irsay reportedly told Chuck Pagano he will return as Colts coach next season.

Manning played 13 seasons with the Colts, who drafted the former Tennessee standout No. 1 overall in 1998. He was an 11-time Pro Bowler and won one championship in Indianapolis.

Even before Manning officially retired after winning another title with the Denver Broncos in March 2016, there were reports he was interested in moving into a front office position when his playing career ended.