Indianapolis Colts: Just How Well Can Ryan Grigson and Chuck Pagano Get Along?

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay extended both General Manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano’s contracts back in January. Many wonder how the two are handling their business together thus far.

The Indianapolis Colts not only had questions regarding their play on the field last season, but also had questions regarding the relationship between their head coach and general manager.

There had been reported rifts between both Pagano and Grigson, dating all the way back to the start of the 2015 season when the Colts lost their first two games in embarrassing fashion. The Colts would finish the season 8-8 — and as the losses piled up, so did the rumors.

At the conclusion of the 2015 season the Colts had missed out on the playoffs for just the second time in 14 years. It was felt around the entire city of Indianapolis that both Pagano and Grigson would be relieved of their duties after the abysmal season in which the Colts were Super Bowl favorites before the season’s start.

Instead, Irsay shocked many when he handed out contract extensions to the head coach and GM that following Monday. In a press conference held that same day, Irsay made it clear that he had made both Pagano and Grigson ‘work things out’ before he would even think of retaining the two.

More from Ink on Indy

Now, the question remains as to whether or not the two are still getting along well as the 2016 season approaches. Mike Wells of ESPN noted earlier this week that Grigson and Pagano “seem to be getting along better.” Here’s what Wells had to say regarding the situation:

"The Colts have yet to play a game — not even a preseason game — but there’s a different vibe from Grigson and Pagano. It helps that Pagano doesn’t have his contract situation hanging over his head, like he did last offseason. He has financial security now after signing a new four-year contract back in January. Grigson signed a three-year extension that was tacked on to the one year he had remaining on his contract, so he and Pagano are under contract the same number of years."

Wells also touched on the relationship between the two:

"The two appear to be on the same page when it comes to the makeup of the roster. They’ve been fully committed to improving the offensive line this offseason. That became evident when they used half of their eight draft picks on offensive linemen."

In years prior, Grigson had tried to outsmart everyone by taking a ‘sleeper’ pick, or the best talent that was on the board rather than addressing a need for the Colts — such as the Phillip Dorsett selection in 2015.

Next: 5 Indianapolis Colts Who Will Enter Training Camp on the Hot Seat

Now, things seem to be going smoothly between Grigson and Pagano as they look to a hopeful strong draft class to get the team back on its feet after a let down of a season last year.

One thing is certain however: The two will need to keep their relationship strong and remain on the same page if they wish to get the Colts back into contention.

Home/Indianapolis Colts