Sources: Matt Rhule tells Colts he won't move forward with discussions

Following the drama surrounding Matt Rhule's interview with the Indianapolis Colts, SicEm365 has been told that Rhule declined an overture from the NFL organization to begin in-depth discussions to pull him from the college ranks to become the next head coach of the Colts.

According to a well-placed source, the timing was the biggest issue for the first-year Baylor head coach. Rhule was hired in December of 2016 and speculation was that the 42-year old was given a 7-year contract specifically due to the complex situation he was entering in Waco and the time that would be needed to rebuild the program.

Part of that complex situation keeping him from considering the position specifically being the coaches he hired to join him in Waco and the players he has recruited and signed in two classes since arriving in Waco, including 21 prospects who signed just last month.

"I think Rhule is genuine," a second source told SicEm365. "He cares for his players and the staff that works for him."

A similar report by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network was made on Thursday evening.

Rhule spent the 2012 season in the NFL as the offensive line coach for the New York Giants under Tom Coughlin before making the transition back to the college ranks as the head coach at Temple from 2013-2016.

In four seasons as a head coach at the college ranks Rhule has compiled an overall record of 29-34 including 1-11 in his first season at Baylor in 2017.