With the Colts reportedly poised to fire coach Chuck Pagano, Bob Kravitz of WTHR.com paints a picture that points a finger at G.M. Ryan Grigson for a culture of dysfunction in Indianapolis.
“Grigson is significantly more involved in the coaching area than [Bill] Polian ever was,” Kravitz writes. “Sources tell me Grigson not only dictated who would and would not play, but undermined Pagano when he wanted to discipline certain players.”
Kravitz then shares several specific examples from the Grigson-Pagano years, an array of information from unnamed sources that clearly traces to Pagano and members of his staff who are about to be dropped after failing to get more out of a roster littered with bad draft picks and misguided free-agency decisions made by Grigson.
First, Kravitz writes that, after trading for running back Trent Richardson in 2013, Grigson continued to insist that Richardson play, even though he wasn’t playing very well. “According to sources, Grigson was concerned with creating the narrative that it was a good trade,” Kravitz says.
Second, Kravitz reports that Grigson insisted on the use of punt returner Josh Cribbs last year, against the desires of Pagano and several members of his staff.
Third, Kravitz explains that Grigson kept Pagano from disciplining certain players he wanted to discipline.
Fourth, Kravitz says that Grigson forced former offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton on Pagano. “Pep was never answerable to Chuck. Pep answered to Ryan, and everybody in the building knew it,” Kravitz said, citing an unnamed source.
As a result of those and other factors -- including the presentation to Pagano of a one-year extension in the offseason that Pagano found unacceptable -- Pagano and Grigson has virtually no relationship, according to Kravitz.
At a time when some think Grigson’s relationship with owner Jim Irsay will help Grigson return for the fifth year of his original contract (and possibly beyond), Kravitz writes that Grigson’s employment could hinge on the wishes of a new coach. If nothing else, the information dump directed to Kravitz will ensure that any coach with options will opt not to come to Indianapolis as long as Grigson remains employed there.
