The Indianapolis Colts are 6-8 after suffering their first home loss to the Houston Texans today, falling 16-10 to their division rivals. Pagano is on the hot seat and if the Colts miss the playoffs, which is expected to happen after the loss, it will likely result in Indianapolis finding a new head coach this offseason. That's not to say Pagano is a bad coach, but that things just aren't working out with the Colts. With that in mind, here are three reasons why it's time for the Colts to move on from Chuck Pagano.
3. Issues With GM
The issues between Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have been documented before. Although the two denied there were issues, Ian Rapoport reported that Pagano had "doubts" he would return. The whole situation is reminiscent of the 49ers and Jim Harbaugh last season. Where there is smoke there is fire and disagreements between the GM and head coach don't end well. Grigson is going to win any battle with Pagano, so the Colts should go ahead and move on from Pagano. Of course, owner Jim Irsay could elect to just fire both.
2. Blowout Losses
The Colts had won three straight, but have followed that up with three straight losses - two of which are blowouts. The Colts lost 45-10 against the Steelers two weeks ago, and then fell 51-16 against the Jaguars. Injuries have wrecked havoc on this team, but that's no excuse for giving up 51 points to the Jaguars of all teams. Pagano said the team was going all-in down the stretch, and they've responded by falling flat on their face - which falls squarely on the shoulders of Pagano.
1. Uninspired Defense
Pagano is a defensive-minded coach, which makes the team's struggles all the more disappointing. They rank 29th in the league in points allowed per game, including 37.3 during this losing streak. The talent might not be incredible, but that doesn't mean the Colts should be allowing over five touchdowns per game. To make matters worse, the defense has completely quick in all of their blowout losses. The defense effort is unacceptable and Pagano should take the blame for that.