Indianapolis Colts re-sign coach Chuck Pagano in surprise move

The Colts have gone 41-23 in his four seasons. “If that was the best for us, believe me, I would do it”.

Owner Jim Irsay said continuity was key in the decision. “Today was a good description of the year”.

So does Mularkey, who went 2-7 after replacing Ken Whisenhunt and lost his last four to secure the No. 1 draft pick.

That undoubtedly speaks to the expectation that he would be fired, but it’s more striking when considering that three years ago the man battled leukemia. He finished with 94 catches and 1,088 yards.

“I tried to do everything I could”.

“I can’t fault him this year for the injuries we’ve had and the personnel he’s had to deal with I think he’s done pretty good with what we’ve had”, fan Chad Holstine said.

The Colts had a tough season, but there was a sense of relief and excitement at a news conference with Pagano, Irsay and Grigson (whose job security was also in question) on Monday night.

They didn’t look close against Indy’s backups.

Pagano’s team won its last two games to finish the season at 8-8 one year after reaching the AFC Championship Game, but failed to make the playoffs despite expectations of a Super Bowl run. Without the services of Marcus Mariota, the Titans started Zach Mettenburger but he was pulled after what appeared to be a minor injury as they chose to give Alex Tanney a shot.

Indy could have made the playoffs with a Houston loss – and if seven other games fell exactly the right way. Many fans called for an extension for Pagano, while demanding Grigson’s ouster.

With rookie Andrew Luck at quarterback, Arians guided the Colts to a 9-3 record and became the first interim coach to be named the NFL’s coach of the year.

The past two weeks might be the most creative coaching Pagano has done in his four-year tenure.

For a team that was struggling to find a healthy quarterback this season, the Indianapolis Colts now have enough of them for a game of bridge.

So the coaching staff split the workload. They asked Freeman to learn the regular offense and Lindley to figure out the two-minute drill. Colts QB Josh Freeman was 10 of 18 for 108 yards and one TD during the first half…. Pagano gave a speech after the win that even seemed to inspire Irsay.

“Through this season which has been trying and disappointing, he has been so positive and kept everyone going as evidence at how heart the squad played yesterday”.

Pagano and Irsay spent most of Monday afternoon meeting at the team complex, and after several hours, team spokesman Avis Roper told reporters no announcement would come until at least Tuesday.

“Hell yeah we want (Chuck) back”, safety Mike Adams said. But the delay renewed hope among Pagano’s biggest supporters that he could come back. Chuck made a point of that unsolicited alone in my office. Walker finished this season with 94 catches and 1,088 yards and should be a pillar the Titans can build around.

Mettenberger, who left the game in the third quarter with a forearm injury, fell to 0-10 in his career as a starting quarterback.