The Patriots will play the New York Giants in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ADVERTISING INDIANAPOLIS — The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga could take a decidedly defensive turn. Indianapolis hired Baltimore
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
INDIANAPOLIS — The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga could take a decidedly defensive turn.
Indianapolis hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as its new coach Wednesday and will introduce him at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
It’s the third time Jim Irsay has turned to a defensive-minded coach since replacing his father as team owner in 1997, first hiring Jim Mora and then Tony Dungy as Mora’s replacement in 2002.
“I like it,” Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis wrote on Twitter.
The Colts are hoping the change produces better results after Indy went 2-14 last season, its worst record in two decades. But there are questions about how this decision will impact the future of Manning and his teammates.
The 51-year-old Pagano had been a career assistant until Wednesday. He had coached previously in the NFL at Oakland and Cleveland and also worked extensively in college with stops at Miami and North Carolina.
He’s the fourth Ravens defensive coordinator to get a head coaching job in less than a decade. The others were Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, Jets coach Rex Ryan and former 49ers coach Mike Nolan.
Those who have worked closely with Pagano believe he’s ready for the promotion.
“Chuck has a leadership quality about him. He’s humble but he also knows when to take the reins and take charge,” Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger said. “He doesn’t try to dominate you in every meeting. He’s just a coach that knows exactly how players are and what direction they need.”
But Pagano is taking over a team in transition.
Irsay’s dizzying array of moves this month has essentially cleaned house.
It began with the firings of the father-son front office tandem of Bill and Chris Polian on Jan. 2, the day after the season. The next week, Irsay hired 39-year-old Ryan Grigson as the new general manager.
Last week, coach Jim Caldwell was fired after his third season because he won only two games while Manning sat out with a neck injury and now, eight days later, Indy has his replacement — with more changes to come.
Quarterbacks coach Ron Turner, receivers coach Frank Reich and offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars all have been let go, too. That leaves offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen, running backs coach David Walker and tight ends coach Ricky Thomas among those with fates yet to be determined. Back in 2002, when Mora was fired, Irsay hired Dungy but kept most of the offensive staff intact.
NFL extends Goodell’s contract through 2018 season
NEW YORK — Now that the NFL has labor peace for the next decade, Commissioner Roger Goodell has job security through the 2018 season.
Not only did Goodell get through one of the league’s most contentious and troubling periods — a 4 1/2-month lockout of the players — but he oversaw a highly successful season once a 10-year collective bargaining agreement was reached. On Wednesday, he reaped some rewards himself with a contract extension through March 2019.
“It is the only place I have ever wanted to work,” Goodell said after the league’s compensation committee approved the extension.
The 52-year-old Goodell took over for Paul Tagliabue in 2006. His original five-year contract was extended in 2009. He earned about $10 million, including bonuses, under that contract. During the lockout, he had a $1 salary.
No terms were disclosed for the new contract.
Patriots’ Gronkowski listed as unable to practice
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was listed as unable to practice on Wednesday on the team’s first injury report since he injured his left ankle in the AFC title game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Although the Patriots did not practice, they were required to file an injury report. Gronkowski is listed as “DNP.” Twelve players were listed as “limited participation,” including receiver Wes Welker, guard Logan Mankins and linebacker Rob Ninkovich. Two others were listed as “full participation.”
Gronkowski was seen wearing a removable boot on his left foot on Monday. The second-year star, who set an NFL record for tight ends with 17 touchdown catches, limped off the field in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 win over Baltimore but returned about five minutes later.
The Patriots will play the New York Giants in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis.
