Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano handed contract extension
Tuesday 5 January 2016 10:42, UK
Indianapolis Colts have given coach Chuck Pagano a four-year contract extension despite a rocky season and expectations that the franchise may move in a new direction.
Pagano, who just finished his fourth year with the Colts, survived a disappointing 8-8 season, injuries to his franchise quarterback Andrew Luck and a reported rift with the management.
"I wouldn't trade this season for nothing," Pagano said. "And we've had some good ones... but this one, you are going to look back on this one and say, 'all the adversity, all the obstacles and you never quit.'"
Pagano posted three straight 11-5 campaigns and a trip to the AFC Championship last season.
Indianapolis came in as Super Bowl contenders but that was quickly derailed by the fall of Luck who played in just seven games due to various injuries.
The Colts rallied to win their final two games and the franchise stuck with their inspirational leader who during the 2012 campaign battled through cancer treatment.
"It was careful consideration. It wasn't fan pressure, player pressure or anything along those lines," said Colts owner Jim Irsay.
"Chuck has won (41) games in the last four years. That's not easy to do."
