Indianapolis Colts

Irsay: Pagano's status doesn't hinge on Super Bowl

Published Apr. 26, 2015 11:59 p.m. ET

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Yes, expectations for the Indianapolis Colts this season are sky-high and yes, head coach Chuck Pagano is entering the final year of his contract. But Colts owner Jim Irsay says that doesn't necessarily mean this is a make-or-break year for Pagano with the organization.

Irsay told the Indianapolis Star the fact the team and the coach haven't been able to agree on a new contract shouldn't be interpreted as Pagano being on the hot seat.

"These things are ongoing a lot of times behind the scenes," Irsay told Stephen Holder of the Star. "We're working on contracts, whether it's management, coaches, players. We had discussions and it doesn't mean that they won't continue. It's not a Super Bowl-or-bust season or anything like that."

Irsay pointed out Pagano's record of success in Indianapolis, including leading the team to last season's AFC title game.

"We were proud of our (2014) season and I really feel positive about Chuck and what he's done for us," Irsay said. "He's done a very good job and nothing rules out that we couldn't have an extension done before the season. And if not, we can still, I'm sure, work things out."

Irsay told the newspaper the two sides have engaged in some negotiations, but thus far, have been unable to agree to a new deal.

"There were some efforts to talk about it. We just didn't get there," Irsay said. "Sometimes that happens. If you go back to the old days, there were no agents involved, either. Now general managers and coaches sometimes have agents. In fact, oftentimes … We're real positive about Chuck Pagano and the things that he's done. It's not a sign of anything extremely negative. We just haven't gotten anything done in terms of a long-term contract."

(h/t Indianapolis Star)

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today