Colts Owner Jim Irsay "opted for consistency over upheaval," re-signing coach Chuck Pagano to a new four-year contract last night, "ending months of speculation about his future," according to Stephen Holder of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Irsay in a late-night press conference said, "I could have walked someone in that door tonight or tomorrow night and have them walking in with eight figures a year ... and making a big splash. If that was the best for us, believe me, I would do it." But he noted Pagano "is a great coach." Holder reports GM Ryan Grigson also had his contract extended through '19. The decision to keep Pagano came "after a series of meetings throughout the day" yesterday. There was a meeting "with Irsay and Pagano," as well as a meeting with Irsay and Grigson. There also was a get-together with Pagano and Grigson, who have long "been at odds about everything from coaching hires to personnel, and Irsay clearly needed to see evidence they could co-exist before proceeding." Irsay: "It was getting together and getting in there and getting honest, getting everything right and getting a clear vision going forward." Holder writes keeping Pagano was not because of the fact players "love Pagano" or the "idea that the fan base has come roaring to Pagano's support in recent days." Irsay "specifically cited those two potential factors as playing no role." Irsay: "It was careful consideration. It wasn't fan pressure, player pressure, anything along those lines. Look Chuck's won 44 games in the last four years. That's not easy to do" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 1/5). USA TODAY's Tom Pelissero writes whatever issues have arisen between Pagano and Grigson "didn’t stop them from agreeing to tie their futures together contractually" after months of speculation and reports that "one or both of them were certain to be fired" (USA TODAY, 1/5).
KEEPING THE FAITH: In Indianapolis, Gregg Doyel writes Pagano convinced Irsay that he and Grigson as coach and GM "would work." He told Irsay what he "wanted to hear," and Irsay "bought it." Irsay is "a lot like Pagano, desperate to believe the best in people," and what he wanted when he woke up yesterday morning was to "find a way to keep both Pagano and Grigson" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 1/5). NFL Network's Terrell Davis said, "They realize that this has to work. (Grigson and Pagano) have to get this thing worked out and ironed out to make this thing a happy marriage" ("NFL HQ," NFL Network, 1/5). ESPN’s Mike Greenberg said he thought the relationship between Pagano and Grigson had become "such a dysfunctional mess that they were going to have to make some kind of change.” ESPN’s Mike Golic: “I was a little surprised. ... It just doesn’t seem like it’s the best working relationship in the world.” ESPN’s Joe Banner: "We'll see how the relationship plays out, because the stories about conflict are true.” He added, “I’d be very worried. Where are they at in three months? Where are they at in a year? Where are they at the first time they disagree?” (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 1/5). In Indianapolis, Zak Keefer writes under the header, "Irsay's Gamble Among Biggest Of His Colts' Career." The decision to extend Pagano and Grigson will be "among the most significant Irsay makes" as owner of the Colts. It will "define the heart of the Andrew Luck Era." Keefer: "For better. For worse. For something" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 1/5).
PERSONNEL POWER: SI.com's Doug Farrar wrote given the "highly questionable drafts Grigson has put together over the last three seasons," many thought it "might be best for the team if the Colts found someone else to head up their personnel efforts." Irsay "didn't see it that way at all, or if he did, he clearly got past it." Irsay: "I want to make sure I'm tied at the hip with Ryan. I want to make sure that when we get to the mountaintop, that Ryan and I are there together. Because we've been through a lot together, and we have a special relationship" (SI.com, 1/4). FS1's Mike Garafolo: "This is remarkable patience by owner Jim Irsay. Let's see if it's rewarded" ("Fox Sports Live," FS1, 1/4).
GET ON THE CHUCK WAGON: USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell writes Pagano keeping his job is the "big upset from the NFL's Pink-Slip Monday." In the end, "common sense prevailed," as Irsay "got it right." He essentially "sat down his coach and general manager and demanded that they work it out -- together." Bell: "Think what you want about Irsay ... but he has a sharp instinct when it comes to football matters" (USATODAY.com, 1/5). NFL Net's Davis said good coaches "are hard to come by," as owners "just can’t go out there and fire a good one and turn around and hire one who you think is better" ("NFL HQ," NFL Network, 1/5). Radio host Dan Patrick said, "I’m glad the Colts reconsidered and they kept Chuck Pagano. I am not sure why they did. ... Did they look around and realize that they weren’t getting Sean Payton or Nick Saban? Did they realize ... maybe we are better off with who we have?" ("The Dan Patrick Show," 1/5).
