GM Scouting: Colts Director of Player Personnel, Tom Telesco
by MattRichWarren on Dec 28, 2009 12:47 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintAfter enduring a loss like that, the best thing we can do as Buffalo Bills fans is look forward. As we've discussed in this space before, the best way to move forward is a complete revamp of the front office, starting with a new general manager. We continue our profile of GM candidates with a look at Indianapolis Colts Director of Player Personnel, Tom Telesco.
Just this week in his Fan Friday column, Bills beat writer Chris Brown was asked about Telesco and the possibility he would return to Buffalo. Here's what he had to say:
No, I don’t think there are any burned bridges there. Bill Polian and Ralph Wilson are on much better terms than when Polian left the Bills organization. With respect to Tom Telesco I think he’d be a very good candidate. He’s been running the Colts pro and college scouting departments for years and he’s a Hamburg native.
I believe working for his hometown team is something he’d probably be interested in if offered a Director of Football Operations type role. Whether he’s on the Bills short list or not I do not know.
The Bills have been having trouble attracting top-quality candidates to even interview for jobs. A local connection could be very useful in luring Telesco from a very comfortable (and stable) job in Indianapolis back to Buffalo. He graduated from St. Francis High School in Hamburg and spent his entire formative years in Hamburg.
The downfall to projecting GM candidates to being successful GMs is that we are never sure about how much influence they truly hold over the decisions a team makes. In Telesco's case his boss is team president Bill Polian, architect of two of the greatest teams of sustained excellence in NFL history. Polian counts Telesco as his right-hand man. When Bill's son Chris was promoted to GM this November here's what the younger Polian had to say:
I think in the end, this is a continuation of the process that’s been taking place the last few years in terms of my dad delegating more of the day-to-day operation-type stuff, while he’ll work on issues with Mr. Irsay and league issues and that type stuff and let Tom Telesco and I kind of carry the load in terms of the daily operation.
These comments signify just how valuable Telesco's opinion is with those around him. He's actively involved in shaping the Colts roster. Another new development from the last time the Bills were searching is Chris Polian's promotion. When Bill's son Chris was promoted in Indianapolis this November it solidified their front office succession plan. Telesco would never take over for Bill Polian as Indianapolis' top decision-maker. If Telesco wants to be top dog in an organization he will now have to look elsewhere.
Telesco's background is in pro personnel, scouting and signing players from other teams, but recently has shifted his focus towards the entire roster. In fact, coach Jim Caldwell credited Telesco with having every draft pick in training camp on time something the Bills had significant problems with this year. Chris Brown cited Telesco as "running the Colts pro and college scouting departments for years." He's as well-rounded a candidate as exists.
Here's what I like most about the Colts organization. They always have a guy to step in when they lose someone (well maybe not Peyton Manning). Edgerrin James leaves and in comes Joseph Addai. Marvin Harrison is out for most of the season and in steps Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. Even replacing Tony Dungy with Jim Caldwell was in place before the former left. Now the Colts have designated a succession plan at the top of the organization as well. Long term planning is something the Bills need in this rebuild, not just plugging gaps to make the team competitive this year.
As the team readies for a draft with holes ranging from starting QB to OL and LB and a host of other spots, the Sporting News lists the Colts draft strength as selecting the best player available. That makes me hopeful that with Telesco running the football operations the Bills might have a shot at turning this thing around.
Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News mentioned a couple weeks ago that the Bills would start interviewing for the front office sometime after Christmas. That's right now. So the obvious question here is this: would you have an objection if Telesco was one of the first candidates to get a phone call? Plus he might be in town this week as Buffalo hosts his Colts. Just sayin'.
Here is his bio from the Colts media guide
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would you have an objection if Gabriel was one of the first candidates to get a phone call? Plus he might be in town this week as Buffalo hosts his Colts. Just sayin’.
I think you meant Telesco and my answer would be talk to him! As you point out, there is a lot to like about the Colts’ org. and he’s a big part of it.
I would be on board with this........
the culture of losing here needs to be vanquished like the warlock Anton…………
Who better than a guy from a team who hasnt won less than 12 games since 2002……(which even then they won 10)
Yeah, I just stare at my desk, but it looks like I'm working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch too, I'd say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work. - Peter Gibbons
by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 28, 2009 1:03 PM EST reply actions
hey we've won 12
oh wait…that ’s the last 2 years combined
Yes to a Polian protege
That’s the strongest argument about Telesco — it’s the next best thing to hiring a Polian. He seems to be highly respected in the league and is obviously considered a vital part of the Colts organization. The fact that he has local ties makes him even more attractive. At this point I would be overjoyed with Greg Gabriel, Dave Gettleman, Telesco, Jimmy Raye of the Chargers (who is like Telesco in overseeing both college and pro scouting), and possibly Charlie Casserly or Ernie De Costa. The Bills have a lot of great choices available.
Why is that so necessary?
I don’t understand why everyone seems to want someone connected to Polian so badly.
The strongest argument about Telesco is that he worked under Polian? That doesn’t fly with me. If you want to say that Telesco is a good candidate because of what he’s accomplished, then I agree, but to say someone is a quality option simply because of who he worked for is kind of nutty.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
I agree
that can’t be the sole criteria. But, someone who has been around success, played a major part, and learned through some “osmosis” , would be a qualified candidate. When you look at the Colts, you can’t avoid using the word success, and in turn, Polian. Conversely, I wouldn’t be too high on interviewing a candidate from the Lions org.
I agree about the success part
but why is Polian ALWAYS the first one brought up. Why not SD, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, NE, Philly, and so on???
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Its easier to think someone who is connected to Polian would be more willing to come here
because of Polians ties to the organization……
atleast thats how I look at it.
Yeah, I just stare at my desk, but it looks like I'm working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch too, I'd say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work. - Peter Gibbons
by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 28, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
+1
We’d be foolish to ignore anyone from a successful org. but Telesco might be the path of least resistance.
pretty much – yup.
doesn’t hurt he’s built a team that’s won more games than anyone this decade – took the Bills to 4 super bowls (which is why polian comes up more often than not here) and took Car to the playoffs in their 2nd year.
it is honestly not that difficult to see why Polians name alwyas comes up – because he’s a winner and is connected to the Bills.
Never put salt in your eyes
Scott Loffler should be the next Bills GM
by J2 on Dec 28, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Kurupt, I have done a lot of hiring in my day — chaired a lot of national searches (though not in sports) — and I can tell you that one of the best predictors of whether or not a given candidate will work out well is who he or she trained under. Having the chance to observe at close-hand how an incredibly successful GM like Bill Polian operates and to learn from being part of his decision-making process is probably the best preparation our future GM could have. Ditto for guys holding similar positions at other winning franches like San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, etc. (i.e., I’m not “privileging” the Colts and Polian). It also works the other way — if someone is a top assistant to a legendary GM like Polian, occupying a job with major responsibilities, it’s a sure sign that Polian thinks highly of him and gives strong reason to believe that the individual is very talented.
That’s why “to say someone is a quality option simply because of who he worked for” is NOT “kind of nutty” in the least. It’s Hiring 101.
by Macktruck on Dec 28, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I agree with the coming from a winner candidate
I’m just not so sure why a Polian guy always seems to be #1 on many people’s lists. I just want a guy from a winning organization, whether it’s Indy, New England, Philly, San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, the Giants, etc.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Just to clarify: I’m not saying a Polian guy would necessarily be #1 on my list. In fact, if you look at my original post on this thread you will see that I mentioned six potential GM candidates that I like, and only two could be considered “Polian guys” (Telesco and Dave Gettleman, who started out as a college scout under Polian with the Bills but really mentored under Ernie Accorsi of the NY Giants). What I’m saying is that I want someone who learned the trade working alongside a GM who has an exceptional track record. Polian, whose Colts have now made the playoffs for eight years in a row, would certainly qualify as first-rate, but so wouldn’t Accorsi, A.J. Smith, Ozzie Newsome, etc.
It isn't but
when I was looking for post grad I looked for the best school/prof I could find. I was trained by a fellow that was trained by one of the best in the country. It doesn’t hurt to learn from the best. There is something to the “family tree” concept.
Bills Fan in PA
Telesco is another great candidate. At this point, I’d be very surprised if Buffalo didn’t land a promising GM. There are so many solid options out there.
I know people like the idea of a bringing in somebody from the Polian tree, but I’m actually not a big fan of the way Polian structures his FOs. From what I’ve heard, he’s a really power hungry guy. He ran both the football side and non-football side of the FO in Buffalo, Carolina and does in Indy. It’s good to see Chris Polian recognizing Telesco because I’ve never considered Bill Polian to be the type who plays nice and runs a FO where everybody has a big say. I think it’s always been Bill’s way or the highway. So if Telesco is somebody that Polian trusts, that’s a really huge compliment. I don’t think the list of people that Polian really listens to is all that long. That’s just the impression I’ve always gotten though, so I could be way off base.
I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute
I disagree
At this point, I’d be very surprised if Buffalo didn’t land a promising GM. There are so many solid options out there.
I’d be surprised if the Bills actually did land a top candidate. I’d be surprised if some of these guys actually have interest in the job, too. Hope I’m wrong, obviously, but expecting the Bills to do something right is a bit much for me these days! Ha
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Dec 28, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Yeah, I just stare at my desk, but it looks like I'm working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch too, I'd say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work. - Peter Gibbons
by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 28, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think the list of people that Polian really listens to is all that
lol – as I read that I kept thinking – i know someone like that!
here’s how I see it – when you reach a certain level of accomplishment or comfortableness (is that a word?) in which you know what you are doing and are certain that what you are doing works – you start to turn that way.
Polian clearly knows how to run a front office and build a contender – as he did in Buf, Car and Ind. I’ve always said it’s good to get information from all sources possible – especially small details in which might not be common knowledge – guys like Polian will listen to people – take their information and make their decisions the way he wants to based off of everything he knows.
think of it from an organizational standpoint – most people that work for companies feel that the management doesn’t listen to them and their decisions go by the way-side. fact of the matter typically is that these people know what they are doing and make decisions based off of things the employees don’t see (and in some cases – shouldn’t see) – they are hired for their decision making and are typically good at it.
same with Polian – he knows he’s good at it – who cares if he runs a tight ship or is power hungry when what he does works? I hear suggestions all of hte time that are good for one single piece but they forget the whole pie – then people get mad and start spewing to office mates how he never listens or my suggestions don’t matter – why should I bother type of stuff.
if you are good at your job – comfortable in your decisions and thought processes – and proven in results oriented way – then act how ever you want to as long as you are not hurting someone in the process.
so – in essence – i’m a fan of the polian tree – because his tree is tall and green – our’s is a but a brown twig on the ground
Never put salt in your eyes
Scott Loffler should be the next Bills GM
by J2 on Dec 28, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t mind the way Polian has structured the FO around him because he’s Bill Polian and has proven that he can handle all the responsibility that he takes on. But I’d be worried if somebody relatively unproven like Telesco (basically, he hasn’t proven he can succeed as a GM) wanted to take on that kind of authority. I wouldn’t want a Polian type power structure here without Bill Polian running it. If Buffalo is putting a first time guy in charge of the organization, I want him to have final say, but I also want him to rely on the coaches and scouts more than I believe Polian does. And I think somebody with no experience as a GM should have nothing to do with the business side of things. Just bring a guy in to worry about football.
I also think it’s a great sign that Polian actually listens to Telesco. So the power setup that Polian has isn’t my preference, but it does say a lot about how good of an evaluator that Telesco is for climbing near the top of the FO.
I’m not worried about the way that Telesco and the Colts have built a team to play in a dome because I think you can figure out whether he’d try and build the same team in Buffalo or adjust and put a bigger focus on the OL and the defense while interviewing him. In the same way, the FO thing doesn’t bother me because I think Buffalo will know exactly how he would want things set up before they hired him. My concerns over the the Polian structure are more my lack of understanding about why everybody wants to grab a guy from the Polian tree so badly.
I signed up for Second Life about a year ago. Back then my life was so great that I literally wanted a second one. In my Second Life I was also a paper salesman and I was also named Dwight. Absolutely everything was the same. Except I could fly. - Dwight Schrute
Maybe I am being optomistic but I think anyone who is a GM for the first time will listen to the people that he hires. Bill Polian has been around a while and proven to be successful, maybe ego is involved but I think he earned his right to take on as much responsibility as he desires. If Telesco is hired, I think he will listen to his new staff that he hires and trusts.
On the business side of things. I agree that the new GM should stick to the football side of things. There is plenty of work to get done on that side. But my question is, If Russ Brandon was the one interviewing Shanahan, would he be doing the interviews for everyone else? And personally I think Brandon is doing a good job on the business and marketing end and dont think he needs to be fired.
Does anyone know how old Telesco is?
I wouldn’t want a Polian type power structure here without Bill Polian running it
i can certainly understand that. it is one thing to know what you are doing and be arrogant – it’s another to think you know what you are doing and be arrogant.
As long as they go after a guy like Telesco/DeCosta – then I should be a happy camper.
I also think it’s a great sign that Polian actually listens to Telesco
I think this is the most telling line. Polian I consider one of the best GM’s in the game – same with AJ Smith. If we can pluck a highly regarded voice in those organizations then we’ll be doing better than we have.
Never put salt in your eyes
Scott Loffler should be the next Bills GM
by J2 on Dec 29, 2009 8:46 AM EST up reply actions
I know this is off topic... Sorry Brian and Co.
But its at the bottom of the 31-3 thread and probably wont get seen. Regarding Cory McIntyre… is his name pronounced "Mic-in-tree" or "mac-in-tire" …. I could have sworn prior to this year he has been "mic-in-tree" but I’ve heard the other one all year and just wondered whats going on with that?
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
I have yet to hear the mic-in-tree
Where did you hear that?
It’s Mac-in-tire as far as I’m concerned!!
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Maybe im just losing my mind but I could have sworn prior to this year he was “mic-in-tree.” Haha youre probably right, hopefully next year I wont have to hear his name pronounced either way… haha
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
Haha
I’d love to hear him called mic-in-tree. Maybe he has been and I’m too busy hoping he doesn’t fumble to even pay attention to it!!
He did have a HUGE hit yesterday on ST’s that I absolutely loved!
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
He was jazzed playing his old team. He even ran the ball once!
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 28, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
great read MRW
Here’s what I like most about the Colts organization. They always have a guy to step in when they lose someone (well maybe not Peyton Manning). Edgerrin James leaves and in comes Joseph Addai. Marvin Harrison is out for most of the season and in steps Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. Even replacing Tony Dungy with Jim Caldwell was in place before the former left. Now the Colts have designated a succession plan at the top of the organization as well. Long term planning is something the Bills need in this rebuild, not just plugging gaps to make the team competitive this year.
Exactly. Exactly Exactly Exactly.
And your point about Polian’s son is great too. I think it’s similar to the reason why some team is finally going to get Jason Garrett from Dallas. I think he was hoping he’d become the next head coach, but Wade just won’t go away. Similarly, Telesco now knows he won’t be the GM of the Colts anytime soon, so he should be more interested in other jobs..
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
Very good article MRW. As you astutely point out, the $64,000 question is how much of the FO’s success can be attributed to a given individual. I agree with your conclusions based upon reading between the lines and think Telesco should be given very serious consideration. If the Bills can double down on the hometown card, then great.
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
Polian's record speaks for itself
Excellent article and justification on why Telesco should be a viable candidate.
Don’t forget when Polian left the Bills he left the same type of Front Office structure he built for the Colts. The Bills were left in good hands with John Butler and AJ Smith. When Butler was forced to leave he took AJ and Buddy Nix and the Chargers went from a bottom dweller to an elite team. If Polian has put that much faith in Telesco that is good enough for me.
.
"If you don't have good habits you have bad habits there are no in between habits"
+1
I’ll buy that for a dollar!
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 28, 2009 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
The GM Comes 1st
We need a new GM who is a proven talent evaluator before we new a big name coach. No coach could take the current team to the playoffs. We are constantly brain washed by local media about the level of talent on this team, but the bottom line is that it is no where near the level of the good teams. Marv Levy was hired by Bill Polian. Jim Kelly and Bruce Smith were already on the Bills and Polian and his talent evaluators just kept bringing in superb players. Get the GM and a franchise QB and the rest of the pieces can be quickly filled in, including a coach.
And yes, start with Indy and San Diego, who were built by the same guys who built the great Bills team of the 90’s. Wilson should bury his ego, make peace, and ask Polian and A.J. Smith to help him by letting him bring in some of their proteges.
Who wouldn't consider a Canidate that Polian has trained and trusts.
Collect resumes from potential canidates and tell me that Polian’s name won’t jump out at you. I believe he worked for the Giants organization prior to his time in Carolina and contributed successfully in his time there. If Telesco is that close to Bill Polian and has been for a number of years why would that even be remotely close to being nutty. I am sure there are other canidates to consider, but lets not create a debate just for the sake of having one. We are talking about canidates and this guy should be in the top five if not closer to #1. Length of service, success rate, prior history to current position, etc… this guy has performed and is more than qualified.
Is it really average talent or just poor coaching, how important is depth and experience.
I still view Eric DeCosta as a more promising candidate and a better scout, but Telesco certainly should be in the conversation, but so should guys like Dave Gettleman, Jimmy Raye, Ron Hughes
by BillsfanfromDenmark on Dec 29, 2009 8:19 AM EST reply actions
Just out of curiosity, why is DeCosta a “more promising” option than Telesco?
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 29, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Conceivably because he’s younger
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 29, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Which could also translate to less experience. I think they are both intriguing candidates.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
Because I believe he has been more involved in the decisions that the Ravens have made the last ten years, and I don’t believe when all is said and done that Telesco has much of say, when it comes to drafting. Besides that, I just think he’s a better candidate, who I know to be a hell of a scout, who’s also the Ravens Director of Pro Personnel, so he has a lot of experience within both things, which is a plus.
I’m not saying Telesco is rubbish, because frankly I have no reason to believe he is; I just like DeCosta a little more right now.
by BillsfanfromDenmark on Dec 29, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions
Ozzie and Polian are both known as power hungry guys with big egos. I would suspect that DeCosta and Telesco are on similar footing in their organizations.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
Just turned 37
http://www.colts.com/images/news_photos/communitydynamic/2009_mediaguide_sec1.pdf
his bio is at the bottom of page 28 in the pdf
by Rome Billiever on Dec 29, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
That would have been helpful! Derp.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 30, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
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