Pagano Sells his Soul to the Colts!

Colts Hire Pagano As Head Coach Font Size:  The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that they hired Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano. Posted by Ryan Mink on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 4:45 pm | Categories: Ryan Mink PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors' views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted. The Ravens are in need of a new defensive coordinator. The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that they hired Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano as their new head coach. “It’s difficult to leave the Ravens but I couldn’t pass up on this great opportunity,” Pagano said. “I’m just thrilled and so excited.” In his first and only season as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Pagano’s unit ranked third in the NFL in points allowed and average yards per game. He is beloved by his now former players. “Chuck Pagano, if anybody is trying to hire a head coach, if they ask, I’m going to say he sucks,” outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said jokingly after Baltimore Dec. 12 game against Indianapolis. “He’s terrible. He’s a terrible coach. His players don’t love him, and he doesn’t know what he’s doing when he’s calling a game.” Pagano, 51, had been Baltimore’s secondary coach during the previous three seasons. It is his first head-coaching job of his career. It was reported that Pagano had an interview with the Colts, who fired Jim Caldwell after a 2-14 season, on Tuesday. Pagano flew back to Baltimore Wednesday and received a call from Colts Owner Jim Irsay offering him the position as soon as he got back. He accepted and immediately called his wife, dad, family and Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh. Pagano is scheduled to fly to Indianapolis tomorrow and the team has an introductory press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. Two in-house candidates mentioned by pundits to replace Pagano are Linebackers Coach Dean Pees and Defensive Line Coach Clarence Brooks. Pees joined Baltimore’s staff in 2010 after previously being the defensive coordinator in New England for four seasons. Brooks has been with Baltimore since 2005. Pagano is the fourth Ravens defensive coordinator to take a head coaching job elsewhere, joining Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati), Mike Nolan (San Francisco) and Rex Ryan (New York Jets).