Chuck Pagano may be coaching for his job this season with the Indianapolis Colts, per a report.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 2015 NFL season could be a “make-or-break” campaign for Pagano. The head coach has reportedly clashed with general manager Ryan Grigson, and the front office isn’t keen on the fact that he rejected “a couple of one-year extensions.”
Indianapolis has been very successful under Pagano’s leadership, so this may come as a surprise to many fans.
The Colts have won 11 games in each of the three seasons in which Pagano has led the franchise, with quarterback Andrew Luck as the catalyst. Furthermore, the team has advanced further in the playoffs in each of the seasons, and it does appear this club has the makings of a Super Bowl roster this year.
There is a growing sentiment, however, despite all the winning, that Pagano could indeed be on his way out in Indianapolis if the Colts don’t continue the upward trajectory this year. Rapoport’s comments reflect those of long-time beat writer Bob Kravitz, who two days earlier noted Pagano’s desire to have more of a say in personnel decisions.
“After poking around the last few weeks and talking to people who understand the dynamics of the situation, here’s my read on things: As is so often the case in professional football, the head coach wants more say in personnel decisions,” Kravitz wrote, via WTHR.com.
One such example is the fact that Pagano stuck with receiver Reggie Wayne last season when Grigson had wanted Donte Moncrief to have more of a role in the team’s offensive attack. In this case, Grigson’s instincts were correct. Wayne proved to be less than his former self down the stretch for the Colts and then needed surgery. By the time Moncrief got his chance, there wasn’t much chemistry between himself and Luck, and Indianapolis’ offense wasn’t cohesive when it mattered.
However, it wouldn’t be fair to point out Pagano’s missed opportunity without pointing out Grigson’s flood of bad personnel decisions. From Trent Richardson to a slew of horrible offensive linemen signings to the LaRon Landry debacle, Grigson’s personnel decisions have nearly crippled the franchise.
One could argue that if not for Pagano’s steadfast leadership and Luck’s phenomenal play on the field, the Colts would have struggled to win 10 games because of Grigson’s failed personnel moves. But Grigson does have one trump card for selecting Luck over Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL Draft. And, for that, he will likely be the man to win any potential power struggle in Indy.
Furthermore, Grigson did some work this offseason to bring in a trio of veteran free agents in running back Frank Gore, wide receiver Andre Johnson and pass-rusher Trent Cole. With these three outstanding players at Pagano’s disposal, the Colts have a terrific shot at winning a title.
Pagano needs to win, and he needs to win now. The Colts have the talent offensively to break passing records this season and make a run at the Lombardi Trophy. As much as Pagano has been a rock for Indianapolis the past three years, his time will almost certainly be up if this team doesn’t continue ascending under his leadership this season.