Former Colts exec Polian joins ESPN as NFL analyst

BRISTOL, Conn. – Former Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian has joined ESPN as an NFL analyst.

Polian makes his debut March 12 and will appear throughout the year on several ESPN shows, including SportsCenter.

Polian spent 24 years as an NFL general manager with the Bills, Panthers and Colts. He drafted four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning and built Indianapolis into a team that went to the playoffs 11 times, won eight division titles, two AFC titles and a Super Bowl.

In January, he and his son, general manager Chris Polian, were fired by Colts owner Jim Irsay in a major shake-up that included firing coach Jim Caldwell and his staff.

At ESPN, Polian will focus on the NFL draft, free agency and other business-related issues.

ESPN announced the hiring Wednesday.