Colts hire Eagles' Ryan Grigson as new GM

The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday they have found a new general manager for the team.

Colts owner Jim Irsay hired Philadelphia Eagles Director of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson, 39, as the new general manager.

"Ryan brings to the Colts an outstanding NFL personnel history and a record of achievement," said Irsay. "He is a bright and gifted administrator who is the right fit for our organization. He is the right person for the challenges of his new role, and I am confident he can help us continue the winning tradition we have enjoyed, and that our fans have appreciated through the years."

Grigson, an Indiana native, played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers.  He was later drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1995 NFL Draft.  His football career included playing for the Detroit Lions and the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.

Grigson joined the Eagles in 2004 and was promoted to director of player personnel in 2010.

The Colts praised Gringson for being a part of teams that have made the playoffs eight times, including three trips to the Super Bowl.  

"I'm excited for the challenge and I'm excited to know I have the support of someone like Jim Irsay who is a great owner and a "football" guy," said Grigson. "That was comforting to me and it set the wheels in motion right away. I knew immediately, this is where I wanted to be. From the onset this was a fit for me. I just felt it. Just as you have instincts in all areas of life, evaluation and football. Right away, I knew in my gut that it felt right."

Former Colts general manager Chris Polian and vice chairman Bill Polian were fired in early January following a 2-14 season. Bill was hired in 1997 as the president and general manager of the Colts.  Chris took over as general manager in November 2009.