Colts' half-measure decision will ensure more mediocrity

For a few hours on Saturday, it appeared the Indianapolis Colts were set to finally close the door on the Ryan Grigson-Chuck Pagano era.

Following reports that Grigson would be fired from his position as general manager, it was natural to assume Pagano - whom owner Jim Irsay said was tied to Grigson's hip when he shockingly extended the pair after the 2015 season - would also be on his way out.

But, in a press conference, Irsay untied Pagano from Grigson and declared he'd remain the head coach in 2017.

One step forward, two steps back.

Over the past two seasons in which the Colts have missed the playoffs, fans have argued whether Grigson or Pagano is more to blame for the failure.

Grigson's mistakes are more high profile. Trading a first-round pick for Trent Richardson, drafting Bjoern Werner, and handing a big free-agent contract to LaRon Landry are a few examples of his mistakes.

You would struggle to find someone who'd argue he deserved to keep his job.

But the same can be said of Pagano, a so-called defensive guru who hasn't produced a single top-ten unit in total defense during his five seasons at the helm.

Add to that the Colts' constant slow starts, blowout losses, and lack of discipline, and you begin to wonder how Pagano managed to convince Irsay he was worthy of a third chance.

Now, the Colts are reportedly looking at their vice president of football operations, Jimmy Raye III, to become their new general manager.

Raye has been Grigson's right-hand man since 2012, and despite a solid resume, represents the continuity of an era that should already be over.

The fact that he's Pagano's preferred choice just makes matters worse. If Raye is hired, it's a clear indication that Colts' current head coach continues to have a worrying amount of say in the future of the franchise.

In another ridiculous twist during what was a tumultuous relationship between Pagano and Grigson, the Colts reportedly hired psychologists to help work out issues between the two men.

For most teams, it's at this point you would move on from both guys, as it's clear neither have the professionalism to lead a team.

Not the Colts. Not Irsay.

They attempted to salvage a relationship that had overseen the team's severe regression and failed to build a contender, despite being handed Andrew Luck on a silver platter.

When it was clear it was unworkable, Grigson paid the price alone when it should have been the start of a clean slate for the franchise.

The persistent rumors of a Peyton Manning-Jon Gruden combination for president and head coach, which now appears dead in the water, makes Pagano's retention all the harder to swallow.

Irsay and the Colts clearly recognize the need for change. But when Plan A failed, they attempted to appease the fan base with Grigson's dismissal.

The problem is that Indy's struggles were just as much due to Pagano as they were to Grigson.

If you remove half of a spoiled fruit, it's still rotten. And that's exactly what the Colts will be until Pagano joins Grigson on the unemployment line.