Speaking at Saturday’s press conference to announce the firing of Grigson, owner Jim Irsay confirmed that Pagano will remain the team’s coach for 2017.
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This marks the first time since 1998 that the Colts have missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
Irsay has remained quiet since the season ended with a 24-20 victory against Jacksonville on January 1.
“That game might have been Ryan’s pinnacle”, Kraft said wryly.
That being said, there have been a number of current or former Colts under Grigson, who have come out now to voice their dissatisfaction with his treatment of members within the organization, as well as his job performance. As part of this organization, he worked tirelessly to make us better.
If Saturday was any indication, Pagano shouldn’t get too excited and think he’s definitely the long-term answer as coach of the Colts. He did not take the decision to fire general manager Ryan Grigson after five seasons lightly. Beyond poor personnel moves, something else was going on, judging by the tweets from punter Pat McAfee when news of the firing came down and Dad had to move out.
“I wouldn’t say he’s in the picture”.
“He’s our coach for 2017”, Irsay said. “Right now it’s something where he’s not in the mix in this process for interviewing general managers”, Irsay said. “I wish nothing but the best for Ryan and his family moving forward”. Him and I sat and had some time to talk alone.
Even with Luck healthy for 15 of the team’s 16 games, Indy would be playoff spectators for a second straight season–for the first time since 1997-98. A change of morale around the Colts can’t hurt.
Regardless of whether Irsay had “serious negotiations” with Manning or if Manning turned him down, it appears that the two-time Super Bowl victor won’t be returning to the Colts.
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After his team notably reached the postseason in each of his first three seasons at the helm, Indianapolis has failed to reach the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
