Former Colts general manager Bill Polian will not be joining the Bills in any capacity.
Reports have existed since the season ended that Polian was set to join the Bills front office including one yesterday by CBS’ Jason La Canfora that a deal had been reached.
Adam Scheftler’s Facebook reported the following today from Chris Mortensen.
Bill Polian today informed Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula that he will remain as an ESPN NFL analyst and commentator for 2015 and beyond.
Pegula had reached out to Polian in an advisory capacity and eventually gauged his interest to head the team’s front office. That led to further discussions but Polian decided he was content with his current quality of personal and professional life. Pegula was understanding of Polian’s position.
Polian, 72, has been adamant that media reports about his impending return to Buffalo whether this week or next month were erroneous. Pegula never made a formal offer to Polian but the two men had discussions about a prominent position.
Polian reinforced to Pegula that his desire to stay with ESPN was set in stone. Polian has resisted overtures from other franchises, too.
Polian was the architect of a Bills team that went to four Super Bowls, even as Polian moved on to similar positions with the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts before he joined ESPN. He is the only six-time recipient of the NFL executive of the year award and is one of two finalists for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the voting occurs Jan. 31.
Polian has been with ESPN since being fired by the Colts following the 2011 seaosn.
