Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano talked about his current job after his teams NFL Week 17 win. "I love Indianapolis," Pagano said. He is expected to be fired heading into the offseason according to the rumor mill.
Whether the Colts are making the right move by moving on from Pagano is another question. They are hoping to land a big name in the offseason, but the fans and players would both prefer to see Pagano brought back for another season. That is their desire, but they aren't likely to get it after the disappointing season that the Colts went through.
Ahead of the 2015 NFL season, the Colts were expected to contend for a Super Bowl. Instead, they finished the season with a win over the Titans and an 8-8 record.
Throughout the four seasons that Pagano has coached the Colts, he has compiled a 40-23 record.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love this job," Pagano said. "I love Indianapolis. I love this community. I love the fans. I think back to 2012, they didn't even know me and the way they embraced me and my family (during his cancer battle) and helped me through that journey, that's Hoosier hospitality at its finest. This is a great place. Me and my wife are very grateful. We've had a great four years here. We're going to have a great time this afternoon and tonight, and when tomorrow comes, we're going to deal with tomorrow."
Without speculating on the future, this sounds a bit like goodbye from the outside looking in. He isn't talking about optimism for next season or being back as the head coach. Pagano sounds like he is letting the fans know that he loved his tenure with the team and that he will miss it.
Jim Irsay has quite a few decisions to make heading into the offseason. Ryan Grigson has made many mistakes as well and has been rumored to be on the hot seat. It sounds like he will be safe for this offseason, but his job is going to be called into question if the Colts continue struggling.
Expect to hear more news about Pagano in the next 24 hours, but he will be missed by the Colts if he is indeed fired.
