Having signed Chuck Pagano to a contract extension late Monday night, there’s been conflicting reports that the Indianapolis Colts reached out to New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton before finalizing a new agreement:
Meanwhile: I'm told the #Colts did not speak with Sean Payton's agent before re-signing coach Chuck Pagano last night. SF or NO for Payton
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2016
Colts expressed interest in Sean Payton same day they negotiated with Chuck Pagano, according to https://t.co/e3oiaVpuK3's Adam Schefter.
— Tom James (@TJamesIndState) January 5, 2016
The fact is we may never actually know the truth, as the Colts apparently were satisfied with continuing their relationship with Pagano as head coach for the foreseeable future.
However, it’s at least believable, as the Colts waited until the 11th hour to finally give Pagano a contract extension–meaning that the organization wasn’t completely sold on him right after season’s end.
That being said, Pagano ultimately fought and won his right to remain Colts head coach. The team agreed to a new 4-year extension with the beloved player’s coach.
While Pagano’s Colts had a disappointing season and failed to make the playoffs, his team did finish 8-8 (.500) despite not having Andrew Luck for 9 starts.
Ultimately, team owner Jim Irsay opted for continuity over change by keeping Pagano–which meant that Payton as well as other viable head coaching candidates were eliminated from the process.