Indianapolis Colts: Possible Chuck Pagano Replacements

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano coaches on the sidelines against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to deny the truth of things when the man himself believes he might be gone after the season. Such is the reality facing Chuck Pagano as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Despite three-straight playoff appearance, each time going further than before, word continues to leak out that he and the team are preparing to part ways.

On the #Colts: Chuck Pagano has told people he has doubts he returns to Indy next year. He bet on himself with his contract, must prove-it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2015

Unfortunately things are going as he’d hoped. The Colts are 0-2 and showing some serious problems in a number of areas from the offensive line to the defense. Even Andrew Luck, their mainstay is feeling the effects. Unless this team makes a remarkable recovery, it’s getting difficult to shut out these growing calls for Pagano to go.

If that is the case, who are some names that could come up as possible replacements?

Josh McDaniels (OC, New England Patriots)

There is no question that this guy is going to be top priority for a lot of teams. He’s one of the best offensive minds in the game and has head coaching experience from his stint with the Denver Broncos. While that was unsuccessful, word is he learned a lot from it and should be much more seasoned and prepared for his next chance. One can imagine how much he’d be salivating at the chance to pair with Luck.

David Shaw (HC, Stanford)

Familiarity is a big plus here. David Shaw was at Stanford under Jim Harbaugh when Andrew Luck began his rise to becoming the #1 overall pick. Since taking over as head coach, he’s enjoy a solid run of success. He’s highly respected, young and has a history of coaching and understanding quarterbacks. Reuniting him with Luck has plenty of logic behind it.

Adam Gase (OC, Chicago Bears)

Another sharp offensive mind who is one of the rising stars in the NFL. His impact in Denver resulted in several broken records and most recently his effect on Jay Cutler is already turning heads. Adam Gase is still very young but he’s gaining experience rapidly and learning from one of the best in the business in John Fox. He was a finalist for multiple jobs last year but couldn’t find the right fit. Indianapolis may be the ticket he’s waited for.

Nick Saban (HC, Alabama)

Laugh if you want, but this makes a ton of sense. Nick Saban is a proven winner at the college level. This is indisputable. Most remember his first pro stint in Miami as a disaster but he didn’t have a guy like Luck while there. Saban is a specialist at building good defenses and strong running games, two things the Colts are desperately seeking. Add in his familiarity with Bill Belichick and it’s hard not to consider this.

Teryl Austin (DC, Detroit Lions)

An under-the-radar name that has picked up steam over the past year. Teryl Austin really came out of nowhere when he turned the Detroit Lions defense into one of the best in football. He’s already garnering a lot of comparisons to Mike Tomlin, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to their sixth Lombardi trophy and has kept the team competitive in a sea of change. Austin has success everywhere he goes, reaching the Super Bowl with every pro team he’s coached for save Detroit.

That is something the Colts have to consider.

Next: Would Jim Harbaugh Leave Michigan for the Indianapolis Colts?

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