Indianapolis Colts Extend Head Coach Chuck Pagano

It’s clear now that Chuck Pagano was safer than anybody anticipated.  Things got off to a rough start for him back in 2012 when he was forced to do battle with cancer.  He overcame it and returned stronger than he was before.  Pagano got the Colts to the playoffs the next two seasons, advancing a little further each time until they reached the AFC championship a year ago.  Unfortunately he just couldn’t solve the puzzle of the New England Patriots.

Going into 2015, there was a clear sense of urgency from the organization.  A massive influx of veteran free agents sent the message that it was Super Bowl or bust.  If Pagano didn’t deliver, there was a growing possibility he might lose his job.  Reasons aren’t entirely known why but some sources have cited a rift with the front office or simple mishandling of quarterback Andrew Luck.  Regardless, the team came out of the gates slow and even playing in a weak division hasn’t helped.

Barring a miracle, there was a slim to none chance the Colts would make the playoffs with a win in week 17 and that reality came to pass.  As it turns out though, the Colts never lost faith in the head coach and have decided to extend him instead.

This is a big win for him, perhaps showing that the team favors stability and the good relationship Pagano has with the players, including quarterback Andrew Luck.  However, at the same time it does offer interesting indication of what might await GM Ryan Grigson, who was also on the hot seat going into the final stretch of the season thanks to some questionable roster decisions.  Initial word is he’s safe as well, but hasn’t gotten any sort of extension.  This could mean he’s got one more season to get that roster straightened out.