Chuck Pagano may become the fall guy for the Indianapolis Colts’ disappointing 7-8 season, but it seems like someone is trying to protect the coach by pointing out some of the difficulties he was faced with.
WTHR’s Bob Kravitz published a story Thursday night outlining the ways Colts GM Ryan Grigson meddled with the team and undermined Pagano. Kravitz says Grigson “not only dictated who would and would not play, but undermined Pagano when he wanted to discipline certain players.”
What are some examples of ways Grigson meddled?
Not only did the GM make a horrible decision to surrender a first-round pick for Trent Richardson, but he also insisted Pagano play the running back despite his struggles. Special teamer Josh Cribbs is another player Pagano was told to play against his wishes. Kravitz reports that Pagano wanted to discipline players for being late but was undermined by Grigson.
Oh yeah, and if all that weren’t enough, offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton reportedly was forced onto Pagano. Hamilton was fired mid-season.
The situation between Pagano and Grigson has been described as “toxic,” so the contents of this report are not too surprising.
Many NFL fans recognize how much Grigson has failed when it comes to building a roster and taking what he already has and improving it. The man was responsible for the Richardson trade; drafted Phillip Dorsett in the first round this year; and signed aging players like Frank Gore and Andre Johnson.
Kravitz’s report should make even clearer what most already know: Grigson is not a good GM. Even worse, it sounds like in addition to struggling with personnel decisions, he also undermines his head coach.
