Updated January 3rd at 5:00 p.m. EST following 30-24 win over Titans
Chuck Pagano was on the hot seat entering the season, not because of the Indianapolis Colts' play, but because of his relationship with general manager Ryan Grisgon. There were rumors of rift early this season, although the two denied there were issues. A slow start for the Colts didn't cool the hot seat either, and Ian Rapoport reported that Pagano had "doubts" he would return. The whole situation is reminiscent of the 49ers and Jim Harbaugh last season. Now that the Colts have been eliminated on the playoffs, the team plans to fire Pagano.
Keep in mind that owner Jim Irsay could look to go "big-game hunting" for his next head coach. With that in mind, here are the top 10 candidates to replace Chuck Pagano as Indianapolis Colts head coach.
10. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame head coach
Kelly has been linked with a move to the NFL before. Notre Dame’s academic issues and rough end to last season have led to increased speculation that Kelly is on his way out … but he’s just two seasons removed from a lucrative contract extension, and we’d be surprised if he leaves the Irish this year with their success. A name to watch for sure, but he might not be a primary target.
9. Chip Kelly, former Eagles head coach
Chip Kelly was fired by the Eagles Tuesday, and he'll immediately be one of the hottest coaching targets. The Colts could go after Kelly, and Andrew Luck would have success in Kelly's offense. It seems a bit unlikely right now, but it is a possibility.
8. Adam Gase, Bears offensive coordinator
It was believed to be a virtual lock that Gase would be an NFL head coach in 2015, but he opted to follow John Fox to the Bears. Gase was the architect of one of the most dynamic (and productive) offenses in recent NFL history in Denver. The opportunity to coach Andrew Luck could intrigue Gase enough to accept the job, if offered.
7. Hue Jackson, Bengals offensive coordinator
Jackson guided the Oakland Raiders to a .500 record in 2011 (no small feat, considering how little he had to work with and how bad they've looked since), and it's only a matter of time before he gets another shot at a full head coaching role. Cincinnati's offense has been consistently productive despite a number of injuries and Andy Dalton's struggles. Jackson will be a popular name this offseason, so don't be surprised if he gets a head coaching job.
6. Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator
McDaniels has rebuilt his reputation while leading the Patriots’ offense for the past four seasons after a less-than-successful head coaching debut in Denver. Leaving New England for the Patriots could upset Bill Belichick, which would delight Colts fans. McDaniels will be a head coach again, but it might be best if he doesn't have personnel control.
5. Mike Shanahan, former Broncos/Redskins head coach
Shanahan is interested in returning to coaching, and is only three years removed from leading the Washington Redskins to the playoffs (which seems like a real feat nowadays), but he’ll want to have some front office input as well. The Colts might not want to give him that, but Shanahan would qualify as the "big-game" Irsay coud target. Pairing Shanahan with Luck could be deadly.
4. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan head coach
Harbaugh will likely be the top target for the Colts, but that doesn't mean he'll take the job. One ESPN Radio host has already floated the idea, and it does make some sense on the surface. Harbaugh played for the Colts, he'd get to coach Andrew Luck and he'd be back in the NFL. However, it's unlikely that Harbaugh would leave his alma mater after just one season. Plus, the situation in Indy looks to familiar to the one in San Francisco, which would not be okay with Harbaugh.
3. Jon Gruden, former NFL head coach, ESPN NFL analyst
Gruden likely loves the idea of coaching Andrew Luck. At the same time, he appears happy with his gig at ESPN. His name always comes up in coaching searches and expect the same this season.
2. Nick Saban, Alabama head coach
The Saban-to-Indy thought has already been discussed by Pro Football Talk, among others. It does make some sense, but only if he wants to return to the NFL. It still seems more likely that Saban will stay in Alabama than return to the NFL.
1. Sean Payton, Saints head coach
ESPN's Adam Schefter has already reported that several teams will inquire about Saints head coach Sean Payton at the end of the season. The Colts would definitely be interested and pairing Sean Payton with Andrew Luck is terrifying for opposing teams. It'd be a home-run hire, but it's still a long-shot.
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