Instead, the Colts were disappointing from the start, falling to 0-2 after losses to the Bills and Jets.
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“Ryan and I met, and Chuck and I met, and then Ryan and Chuck had a long meeting”, ” Irsay said. “Ryan has outdone him”. We gave it careful consideration. “You don’t have to go too far to ask a lot of people about what he’s done”. “Chuck has earned the opportunity going forward”. “I’m sure of that”. “But I think it was a great year in terms of a bunch of guys coming together, dealing with adversity and just never giving up”.
There has to be better communication between Pagano and Grigson. “I know that he has a vision for this team and whatever it is we will be there to try and get it done”.
In addition, multiple reports had suggested a rift between Pagano and Grigson. Pagano’s 41 wins over the last four seasons are also the fifth-most in the league. It’s about the team.
“It’s not about me”.
“There’s going to be times when we both are passionate because we are trying to win a championship”.
Indy’s struggles in 2015 only added to the tension between Pagano and Grigson.
Lost in the midst of Chuck Pagano’s contract extension tonight is the fact that owner Jim Irsay also announced a contract extension with general manager Ryan Grigson, saying that Grigson and Pagano are “contractually tied”. “I’m proud of the way we fought back”. “There’s no doubt in my mind”.
At the press conference last night, Irsay harped on “continuity.” Avis Roper, the senior director communications, mentioned “One more question”.
After one game with associate head coach Rob Chudzinski calling the plays – a 27-24 victory against the Broncos on November 8 – Luck was injured for the second time and missed the final seven games of the season.
“I don’t think it was how any of us expected it to go”, Hasselbeck said. “It’s great. There is nothing I would rather be doing and if I can compete at a high enough level, why wouldn’t you”. “Every guy in this locker room would love to have Coach Pagano here”, defensive tackle Kendall Langford said. My wife and I love this city, love this organization and love this football team. “That ain’t going to happen but I’m going to be fine if I have to go down that road”. Because we’ve been through a lot together, and we have a special relationship.
No one can argue that Pagano would not have been a highly sought out coach on the market. He’s had a poker chip in his pocket for the better part of a month – he’s been telling his team they’re “all in” for weeks – and he held this team together despite losing its franchise quarterback for more than half the season. “We’re lucky to have him”.
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Irsay made it clear that Pagano and Grigson have ironed out any differences they may have had in the past. They shared a hearty bear hug.
