Report: Tension growing between Chuck Pagano, Colts

Chuck Pagano has entered the final year of his contract with the Indianapolis Colts, and there is a growing sense of belief that it could be his last.

A recent report from Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports describes some of the “growing friction” that exists between Pagano and the Colts’ brass. More specifically, Pagano was said to be “insulted” by a one-year contract extension Colts owner Jim Irsay offered him last season. Irsay didn’t like the way Pagano responded to the offer, and talks have gone nowhere since.

While Pagano has taken the Colts to the postseason the last three years, the feeling is that he will not be coaching in Indy next season if the team fails to win the Super Bowl.

Those closest to Pagano view it as an eventuality he’s gone; if the team does not reach or win the Super Bowl, he’s out of contract and the likeliest fall guy. And if he does win it all, Pagano’s outside leverage with other teams will never be higher. It’s also nearly impossible for them to imagine a scenario in which he and Grigson are still both there together even if the coach did opt to stay in Indianapolis on a lucrative new deal.

Some have likened it to the situation between the 49ers and then-coach Jim Harbaugh last year, after their inability to get anywhere on an extension became common knowledge and the coach neared lame-duck status. Harbaugh eventually departed with a year left on his deal.

Pagano reportedly does not have a good working relationship with Colts GM Ryan Grigson, who apparently has control over personnel decisions and made the choice on his own to hire defensive coordinator Pep Hamilton.

If Grigson has been responsible for personnel decisions like this one, you can understand why Pagano would be frustrated.