Simmons Criticizes Colts Owner’s Sideline Routine

Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s visible sideline routine has drawn renewed attention after podcast host Bill Simmons criticized her for wearing a headset and taking notes during games. Irsay-Gordon has said that listening to coaches helps her understand the team’s operations and make better-informed decisions about staff and resources. Simmons said on his podcast that an owner taking notes on the sideline was excessive. He argued that a male owner behaving the same way would be ridiculed, and questioned why Irsay-Gordon’s conduct was being treated differently. His comments were criticism of her approach, not evidence that she had directed coaches or intervened in a particular play. Irsay-Gordon has described her presence as a way to learn. In comments reported this week, she said she listens to understand and ask questions, while acknowledging that her grasp of football concepts is limited. She has previously explained that a headset lets her hear how decisions move through the team’s communication chain and assess how coaches and staff perform. She has said that apparent player mistakes can sometimes originate in a coaching call or assignment.