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Luck: 'Gutsy' for Colts to keep Pagano, Grigson

David Butler II / USA TODAY Sports

After the conclusion of the Indianapolis Colts' disappointing 2015 campaign, which was dominated by a power struggle between head coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson, both were presumed to be dead men walking.

Owner Jim Irsay, however, opted not to wipe the slate clean. He gave both Pagano and Grigson contract extensions, granting them a second shot at building a contender in Indianapolis.

The move earned a mixed reception from fans and analysts, but Irsay's decision has the backing of his franchise quarterback.

"I think Mr. Irsay showed a lot of guts keeping coach Pagano and Ryan," Andrew Luck said, according to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. "I think the easy thing is to start all over, I really do. I think that was an awesome, gutsy move. I think it surprised me, but then again, I think any decision would've surprised me."

Related: 'Let's get another opinion': Luck opens up about season-ending kidney injury

The loss of Luck for nine games due to shoulder and kidney injuries may have ultimately saved the jobs of Pagano and Grigson, who were able to steer the Colts to a .500 season without their star player.

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