Peyton Manning said this week that everyone was walking on eggshells at the Colts facility because no one was sure who was going to be fired next.
We know this much: More change is on the way.
Florio broke the news that the Colts have chosen Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano to be their next head coach. (The Colts have since confirmed Pagano is the pick.) Owner Jim Irsay has rapidly overhauled the Colts organization.
The Polian regime is out in the front office, replaced by new G.M. Ryan Grigson. Coach Jim Caldwell has been replaced by Pagano. Any hire was going to put the Colts on a new path as a franchise, but Pagano seems like an especially dramatic shift.
Pagano favors a physical, attacking 3-4 defense. The Colts have built their defenses over the last decade with quicker, smaller players. The Colts will get bigger fast under Pagano.
Pagano displays a great sense of humor when he talks to the media. He comes off as a little brash and outspoken. In demeanor, Pagano is a lot closer to Rex Ryan than Caldwell or Tony Dungy.
Irsay ripped up the Colts blueprint from the last 15 years in three weeks. They are starting from scratch with a new identity.
It’s no wonder that Manning seems to believe he will be the next Colt out the door.