Colts owner Jim Irsay has made his second big offseason move, hiring former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as head coach.
In a series of big change, Irsay has completely changed the team’s mentality.
With Pagano, 51, you get a guy that is energizing, outgoing and is well-respected by his players. He’s fiery, preaches toughness and is versatile. A big difference from the last ten seasons.
As the Raven’s defensive coordinator for just one season, his squad ranked third in the league in both points allowed and yards per game. (Though, I think that has more to do with personnel, like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.) Prior to the 2011 season, he was Baltimore’s secondary coach from 2008-11.
The defensive coordinator position in Baltimore has been starting ground for future head coaches. Pagano is now the fourth top defensive mind to earn a head coaching position along with Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati), Mike Nolan (San Francisco) and Rex Ryan (New York Jets).
Now, he’s taking on a challenge. Heading to a new team that put little resources and money into the defense. It was an afterthought.
He interviewed with the Colts Tuesday and flew back to Baltimore on Wednesday. Immediately upon return, Irsay called and offered him the job.
“It’s difficult to leave the Ravens but I couldn’t pass up on this great opportunity,” Pagano said in a statement released by the Ravens. “I’m just thrilled and so excited.”
Pagano is an aggressive and passionate coach. Looking back at old Ravens articles, players had nothing but good things to say about him. They could relate with Pagano, he taught them new ways of thinking and he had their back. With the daunting task of rebuilding ahead of him, it’s smart Irsay went with an energy guy.
Want a telling testimony from a former player? I give you Ravens defensive end Cory Redding.
“What makes him good? He relates to the players a whole lot,” Redding told the Associated Press. “He’s almost like a player in a D-coordinator’s position. The guy has so much fun with us. He treats you like more than a player. It’s like we’re his sons. He wants us to do well. He keeps it fresh. He knows everybody’s strengths and puts them in position to make plays.”
Relatable. Fun. Fresh. Plays to team strengths.
Characteristics that were not present during the last decade. He’s also a coach that is willing to take calculated risks.
After a 2-14 season, the Colts can only improve. In the AFC South, they play in one of the weakest divisions. I suspect the defense will be gutted as the philosophy will no longer be small but mighty.
The Colts have a free agent list of 22, most notably Robert Mathis, Reggie Wayne, and Pierre Garcon. Where new General Manager Ryan Grigson and Pagano will put their focus is in the draft. Build through the draft, and with the players they want. The upcoming 2012 draft is especially critical because the Colts have the top pick in each round.
Irsay hiring Chuck Pagano makes sense. I think all along, Pagano may have been his guy. The Ravens lost on Sunday, and on Sunday Pagano was at the Colts complex in Indianapolis. The next day, he’s hired.
This isn’t Jim Irsay’s first experience with the Pagano family either. Chuck’s brother, John, is the San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator but was with the Colts from 1998-2001 as a defensive assistant.
The move is an intriguing one, because there was no obvious choice out there. Sure, Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher would have been nice but they both wished to remain in the broadcast booth. Pagano brings an intensity, focus and attention to the Colts that will be fresh. Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell each cared for and looked out for the players greatly, but in a different kind of way.
Jim Irsay is looking ahead to the future, and putting his trust in men that have worked their way up and finally get an opportunity. Both Grigson and Pagano will make their share of mistakes while on a learning-curve. Irsay took a deep look at the character in these individuals and felt comfortable with the each at their positions.
Pagano will fly back to Indianapolis on Thursday and will be introduced to the media at 3 p.m. [Click here to watch the news conference.]