The Indianapolis Colts could look towards Sean Payton or Nick Saban to replace Chuck Pagano.
It has not been a happy year for the Indianapolis Colts. Andrew Luck looked terrible before finally succumbing to injury. The defense has been nothing more than average at best, and the free agent acquisitions, Andre Johnson and Frank Gore have not added any zip to any already brimming offense. Such is the under performance of the Colts, that Chuck Pagano’s job is under severe scrutiny, and looks set to be fired come the end of the season.
While he has not yet been fired, it looks a matter of when, rather than if. And when such a decision is taken by the Colts, Ian Rapoport is reporting that they will look towards current New Orleans Saints‘ head coach Sean Payton or Alabama head coach Nick Saban before any other options are considered.
Assuming #Colts part ways with Chuck Pagano, they'll think big on coaches. Expected to make Nick Saban & Sean Payton say no before moving on
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2016
Payton has struggled in New Orleans in recent seasons. After bringing a Super Bowl championship to the franchise in 2010, he has been unable to repeat his success, and has now led his side to miss the postseason for the second consecutive year. However, he has had enough success to be a highly regarded coach, and the Colts are clearly enamored by the possibility of bringing him to Indianapolis.
Saban, meanwhile, has done a terrific job at the University of Alabama. He has elevated himself to one of the most successful college coaches of all time, winning four national championships, and could be set to get his chance in the NFL. Either Payton or Saban would be an intriguing choice for the Colts, and will be fascinating to watch.