Pagano eager to start rebuilding Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS – Colts owner Jim Irsay expects Chuck Pagano to bring more than tough talk to Indianapolis.

He wants results.

A day after hiring Pagano as his new coach, Irsay introduced the former Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator as the man asked to rebuild the franchise.

“I really believe Chuck is bringing a toughness, the leadership we need at this point for the franchise,” Irsay said.

The 51-year-old Pagano said the hiring had been a “whirlwind,” since the Ravens lost only a few days ago in the AFC championship game.

“Words can’t describe the emotions that I’m going through right now and the feelings,” he said. “Coming off probably the most devastating loss that I’ve ever been a part of in the AFC championship game and to go in that locker room and see those faces and we all know how hard it is to get to that stage and to see the tears. It’s an all-time low, and the last thing I ever expected came across my table and now I sit here at an all-time high.”

Clearly, Pagano’s job won’t be easy.

The first-time head coach will be working with a first-time general manager, Ryan Grigson, and the next big move will be deciding what to do with four-time league MVP Peyton Manning, who missed the entire season after having his latest neck surgery in September.

The Colts must pay Manning $28 million by March 8 or risk losing him as an unrestricted free agent.

In an interview this week, Manning explained that the biggest overhaul of his career had created an uncomfortable environment at team headquarters – and that he had not yet spoken with Irsay about his future.

Two days after Manning publicly complained about the dour atmosphere at team headquarters after a 2-14 season and a rash of firings, Irsay introduced his new head coach and then stunned everyone by calling his franchise player a “politician” who had decided to air dirty laundry.

“I don’t think it’s in the best interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don’t,” Irsay told reporters, referring to the team’s longtime logo. “The horseshoe always comes first, and I think one thing he’s always known, because he’s been around it so long, is that, you know, you keep it in the family. If you’ve got a problem you talk to each other, it’s not about campaigning or anything like that.”