Ryan Grigson Reportedly Could Be Out Along With Pagano

According to Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole, Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson could be on the hot seat along with head coach Chuck Pagano if the team fails to show considerable improvement this season.

"“As the Indianapolis Colts continue to muddle through a 3-3 season and failed to get any consistency going, one of the considerations is not only whether head coach Chuck Pagano is going to ultimately lose his job at the end of the season, but now whether general manager Ryan Grigson will join him as being unemployed or in a reduced role depending on what owner Jim Irsay wants to do at the end of the season,” said Cole."

Cole points to Grigson’s player acquisitions as his major criticism based on first round failures such as Trent Richardson and Bjoern Werner:

"“The criticism of Grigson has primarily been about player acquisition,” added Cole. “The trade for Trent Richardson has been a failure. The drafting of first round pick Bjoern Werner has been a failure at this point in time. And that all reflects on Grigson.”"

Oct 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson watches the Colts warm up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

However, Grigson’s acquisitions also include the likes of big failed free agent signings such as Gosder Cherilus, LaRon Landry, Ricky Jean-Francois, Donald Thomas. His prized 2013 free agent signings that aren’t even on the Colts roster anymore just two seasons later.

Not to mention, the Colts offensive line has continued to be an issue in his tenure as general manager, having failed to show much improvement over 3 seasons of play.

Still, it hasn’t been all bad for Grigson who in addition to drafting Andrew Luck, also drafted T.Y. Hilton and traded a 2nd round pick for shutdown cornerback Vontae Davis.

His signing of veteran safety Mike Adams has also proven to be a revelation for the back of the Colts secondary. Also, 3rd round rookie defensive lineman Henry Anderson has shown the makings of a future star so far.

Switching gears, there’s been well-documented tension between Grigson and Pagano from multiple reliable media sources, which Cole further alluded to such friction:

"“In addition, there has been talk through the organization about the interference of Grigson within the day-to-day football matters and coaching staff and that’s created some tension between him and Pagano,” notes Cole."

Both Grigson and Pagano may have to end up getting along better for each’s own job’s sake, as the two’s fates may ultimately be end up tied together this offseason. The Colts could very well opt to clean house all together.

That being said–per Cole, it’s possible that Grigson could remain with the organization even if the Colts bring in a big name coach to replace Pagano, albeit in a reduced personnel role:

"“Now, if Irsay decides to go with a high end coach, say somebody like Nick Saban or perhaps Sean Payton, to succeed Pagano, the question then becomes whether Grigson gets pushed out of the building all together or pushed aside in a reduced role, allowing those coaches to take control of personnel matters,” concluded Cole."

To me, both Grigson and Pagano deserve the benefit of the doubt to let this team finish out the season, and let the end result speak for itself. However, at season’s end, anything goes depending on how far the team actually advances in the playoffs and demonstrates improvement.

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