The Indianapolis Colts plan to fire head coach Chuck Pagano at the end of the season barring a playoff berth, according to a report.
ESPN’s Mike Wells reported the news about the Colts’ plans.
THIS JUST IN: Colts do not plan to retain Chuck Pagano at end of season, barring playoff berth. (via @MikeWellsNFL) pic.twitter.com/V4UwGc9DuE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 31, 2015
Wells also adds that GM Ryan Grigson will retain his position through the coaching search, but there is no guarantee he will be back next season.
The relationship between Pagano and Grigson was described as “toxic,” with barely any communication going on between them, per Wells.
Pagano has been on the hot seat all season, with reports saying he could be fired during the year. He made it through to Week 17, but all indications are that he will not survive beyond that.
The Colts went 11-5 in three consecutive seasons under Pagano, making the playoffs each year. They took a step back this season with Andrew Luck going down due to a lacerated kidney, but Luck’s play was not very strong prior to that anyhow. They are currently 7-8 and a long shot to sneak into the playoffs.
If there was any one thing we can point to that may have led the Colts to this decision, our guess is it comes back to this.
