The Facts: Per a league source, the Colts have requested permission to interview Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. for their vacant head-coaching position.
Diehards Line:The Colts will be the second team to pursue Carmichael, who also has been linked to the Raiders. Carmichael has enjoyed a higher level of attention in league circles after assuming the play-calling duties following Payton's injury. Payton decided to allow Carmichael to continue to call plays even after Payton was able to resume the responsibilities. As PFT's Mike Florio explained, permission is perfunctory when an assistant coach of a team that has finished its season is being considered for a head-coaching job. Teams can, however, block assistant coaches who are under contract from interviewing for assistant-coaching jobs with another team, even if the move constitutes a promotion. Others on the Colts radar include Titans DC Jerry Gray. According to Nashville Tennessean staffer Jim Wyatt the Colts have asked and received permission to interview Gray, who recently interviewed for the vacancy in Tampa Bay.