Indy players pack up, still uncertain about Pagano’s status

“Chuck has earned the opportunity going forward”.

Irsay said he was hopeful all along to keep Pagano after “careful consideration”. It was something where…

Over the past few weeks, it looked and sounded as if Pagano’s four-year tenure in Indianapolis would end. “That’s not easy to do”.

Pagano roamed around the college game for 23 years before heading to the National Football League as the Baltimore Ravens’ secondary coach in 2008, working under John Harbaugh and alongside Greg Mattison.

The Colts were 8-8 and played five quarterbacks in 2015.

Not only that, but general manager Ryan Grigson, vilified in media reports in Indianapolis last week as a “terrible meddler” who hindered rather than helped Pagano’s efforts, also would be back. Irsay didn’t see it that way at all, or if he did, he clearly got past it.

“We agree to disagree but leave every meeting with a handshake and a hug”, Pagano said. “I’m sure of that”. “We’re united. We got a lot of fire”. If an off year is 8-8, I know some teams would give their right arm to go 8-8. He took the Colts right downfield, too, finding Andre Johnson, who stretched the ball across the goal line to give Indy a 20-14 halftime lead.

Pagano finished 11-5 in each of his first three seasons with the Colts and is 44-26 overall, including the postseason.

Quarterback Josh Freeman who most recently was tossing bolts in Brooklyn (or something to that effect) while Ryan Lindley was sitting on a couch somewhere after being a backup for the Arizona Cardinals last season. But at Monday’s presser, Grigson seemed to extend an olive branch.

“This is absolutely the best day of my life”, Pagano said. It’s a winning franchise – Super Bowl victor, very successful. “And we’ve had some good ones….” “You don’t know me”. We’re going to stay and be together… we’re united. We’re going to stay and be together… “That job is to still have our eyes set on championships”.

Chuck Pagano was on the hot seat for most of the second half of this season.

Something that Irsay said about Grigson, however, has piqued the interest of many, as it should.

“I’ve had a lot of great days in my life, but none better than today”. “I’m grateful and thankful to Mr. Irsay and his family”. Jim had my back, back in 2012-I talked about it after the ballgame. “But I also understand the gravity of the situation and understand exactly what this fan base looks for and what this ownership looks for”.

“I love this job, and I love Indianapolis”. Regardless of what happens to Chuck Pagano next, he is focused on fulfilling his commitment to the team “I’m just excited to get out in the parking lot. I owe it all to Jim for believing in our vision”. No more Grigson having more years on his contract and no more of Pagano wondering his coaching fate. However, it was shocking for the players to learn that Chuck Pagano might be getting the boot soon.

“Football players want to play football”, shared Luck following his injury and the subsequent decision to bench him, according to ESPN.