The fact that Saints coach Sean Payton broke a leg during a game could give Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. a chance to break a leg of his own, figuratively.
Per a league source, the Colts have requested permission to interview Carmichael for their vacant head-coaching position.
The Colts will be the second team to pursue Carmichael, who also has been linked to the Raiders. Carmichael has enjoyed a higher level of attention in league circles after assuming the play-calling duties following Payton’s injury. Payton decided to allow Carmichael to continue to call plays even after Payton was able to resume the responsibilities.
Permission is perfunctory when an assistant coach of a team that has finished its season is being considered for a head-coaching job. Teams can, however, block assistant coaches who are under contract from interviewing for assistant-coaching jobs with another team, even if the move constitutes a promotion.
UPDATE 9:12 p.m. ET: Or moles in Indy not named “Rob Lowe” tell us that the interview will occur on Thursday.