Colts new General Manager Chris Ballard Keeping Chuck Pagano For 2017 Season

Chuck Pagano will keep his head coaching job heading into the 2017 season. New Colts general manager Chris Ballard has decided to keep him in the fold for now. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news.

A presser today, but Colts GM Chris Ballard intends to keep HC Chuck Pagano for 2017, then re-evaluate for 2018, per league sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2017

Ballard was formerly hired late last night and will hold his introductory press conference today. Ballard steps in for newly fired Ryan Grigson who built one of the worst rosters in the league. Ballard comes from the Kansas City Chiefs front office where he has had success as one of the best assistant gm’s in the league.

Pagano will likely be on a short leash this season. Pagano has a career record of 49-31 but has massively disappointed considering he has Andrew Luck and plays in the weakest conference in the NFL. Pagano, a defensive minded coach, has constructed one of the worst defenses in the NFL. A Division crown and playoff success may be imperative for Pagano to keep his job past the 2017 season.