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NFL power rankings: Head coaches from 32-1

By Brad Berreman

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots speaks to the media after Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots speaks to the media after Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Thearon W. Henderson-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Thearon W. Henderson-Getty Images /

29. Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts

Speaking of being on the hot seat, Pagano has to fit that bill as the new season approaches. The Colts, or more specifically owner Jim Irsay, chose him over former general manager Ryan Grigson when it came time to make a change after back-to-back 8-8 campaigns. But that doesn’t mean his job is at all secure beyond this season.

The biggest elephant in the room for Pagano is new Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard, who has taken on the task of restocking a roster that was so poorly constructed and thoroughly mismanaged by Grigson.

But the second lingering issue is the health of quarterback Andrew Luck, who had offseason shoulder surgery and is still working his way back to full strength. There is a doomsday scenario being offered about Luck opening the regular season on the PUP list, which would cost him at least the first six games. While it’s unlikely, and Luck wouldn’t necessarily need to practice or play before Week 1, any thought that he will miss time is bad news for Pagano.

The Colts will be very vulnerable on the field, and by connection, Pagano is too without an improved win total this year. He’s not a good enough head coach to overcome talent deficiencies on a roster, and if Luck is operating at less than 100 percent health he can’t deliver a 10-win season and save Pagano’s job on his own.

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