Irsay preaches continuity as Pagano and Grigson get extensions
By Evan Reller
Jim Irsay decided to keep Ryan Grigson and Chuck Pagano in charge of the Indianapolis Colts after a long day of meetings.
No one was happier than Chuck Pagano at tonight’s press conference. A large smile rarely left his face as it was confirmed that Pagano would be given a four year contract extension.
Team owner Jim Irsay talked about keep the continuity of the team together and that meant working through whatever issues were present and coming together with a common vision for the team. Irsay was clearly impressed with what Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson had accomplished over the past four years.
He held their record up against that of former GM Bill Polian and Peyton Manning during their first four seasons with the Colts.
“Bill Polian is going into the Hall of Fame,” Irsay said. “His first four years, Ryan (Grigson) has outdone him.”
While technically true, it discounts what Polian had accomplished with the Bills prior to coming to Indianapolis.
Grigson’s contract was also extended, and he will likely be the GM for the next four years as Irsay said that he and Pagano were tied together. Irsay also stated that Pagano pushed for Grigson to be here during his tenure, in an unsolicited manner.
The trio seemed nearly oblivious to all the rumors that had spread and been reported over the past few weeks. Very little mention was made about the supposedly “toxic” relationship between Pagano and Grigson.
“We agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, we leave every meeting with a handshake,” Pagano said.
From the press conference, it was clear that all three had met and spoke at length about their vision for the Colts going forward. The goal is obviously to win a Super Bowl, but how they get there has been a point of contention.
The Colts haven’t said anything about the coaching staff, but it is doubtful that any meaningful changes will be made to this group in the coming weeks.