Chuck Pagano Gets A Contract Extension…??? Who Knew…???

It was evident in everything owner Jim Irsay did and said Monday: sorting through issues within his football brain trust, nailing down a vision for the future, extending coach Chuck Pagano’s contract, preaching about continuity, acknowledging the roster must get younger. Pagano’s backers largely believe general manager Ryan Grigson, who has one year remaining on his original contract, should be the one to go. Before renewing vows with coach Chuck Pagano, the Colts didn’t bother to confirm it.

According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the new contract they agreed to is for another four years.

“Ryan and I met, and Chuck and I met, and then Ryan and Chuck had a long meeting”, ” Irsay said. His actual record is 32-21.

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. He is 19-5 in the AFC South and 13-16 against the rest of the NFL. The only problem with that is why did the Colts go 2-5 with Luck behind center? Luck’s health was a major factor in the team’s poor play in 2015, something the front office likely considered when evaluating Grigson. Pagano has wanted to build the 1985 Chicago Bears and that’s just not the way to win in 2016. If anything, Grigson should have been the one to go as he hasn’t done anything special lately. With nine catches for 94 yards against the Colts, he became the first tight end in franchise history with a 1,000-yard season and the ninth tight end in league history with 90 or more catches. Injuries to the team’s top three quarterbacks hindered the Colts’ offensive production. He also wants to wait and see how much interest there is from the Colts in having him come back.

The decision to keep both Pagano AND Grigson is the interesting one because the two have had trouble co-existing in Indy.

“Something that Chuck brings to the table every day, even with the season we had this year, is just hope”.

Pagano’s new deal where no financial terms were available came about after a Irsay spent most of meeting with Pagano and Grigson.

Was there anything Pagano would do differently to get better results?

“I think he has a plan in place”, running back David Cobb said. “It’s great. There is nothing I would rather be doing and if I can compete at a high enough level, why wouldn’t you”.

“Ryan and I are blessed to have an opportunity to continue this journey”, Pagano said.

Many fans called for an extension for Pagano, while demanding Grigson’s ouster.

That’s what has to happen if they expect to make their shaky relationship work. “I’m sure of that”, Irsay stated. “I strongly believe the time is right for me and my family, and… the Giants organization”. I am not sold on this regime. Pagano’s team made headlines for the wrong season against the New England Patriots when his team was part of one of the biggest football blunders in recent memory.

Pagano had also sat down with the Colts Owner.

Frank Gore’s almost impossible road to 1,000 rushing yards fell 33 yards short, it would have been Gore’s ninth career 1,000 yard rushing season.

The Indianapolis Colts are done with trying shortcuts, at least for now.

Chuck Pagano and Ryan Grigson will be paired together for four more years in Indianapolis.