The Indianapolis Colts have been taking big steps forward over the past three seasons, but head coach Chuck Pagano still hasn't been rewarded with a contract extension. There are concerns within the organization that he may not be the guy for them long-term, and there is a chance that he could be fired by the Colts following the 2015 season. It certainly seems surprising, but the possibility is very real.
Finding a head coach that would fit the Colts' direction better than Pagano would be a nearly impossible task. There is a chance that the Colts could already have his replacement in mind, although it seems strange that they would make this kind of a change after three big seasons with him on the sidelines.
Pagano has compiled a 33-15 record through his first three seasons with the Colts. That record is a lot better than plenty of other NFL coaches have had throughout their first three seasons. Indianapolis has been built up to a team that many believe could win a Super Bowl this season if the players all play up to their full potential.
There is no question that the players have bought into Pagano as their coach as well.
It would be extremely hard to find a coach that relates as well to his players as Pagano does. That could very well be part of the Colts' concern about him. Being too close to the players is a pretty big issue as well, which can cause issues among the rest of the players that aren't as close to their coach.
No matter what the issue might be, it certainly brings up quite a few question marks for the 2015 NFL season. Pagano is practically facing a make or break year, and if the Colts don't take the next step and get into the Super Bowl there is a good chance that he could get fired. That is a very tough position for anyone to be in, but the Colts need to band together to make sure that their coach gets his deserved extension.
Hopefully, the Colts don't overthink this situation too much and actually make the mistake of firing Pagano. He is too important for the future to fire, and they certainly wouldn't find a better coach than him at this point in time.
Expect to hear plenty more rumors come out about this situation over the next few months, and don't be surprised to hear the Colts seriously considering firing him if the team struggles.
