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Report: Colts hired psychologists to improve Pagano-Grigson relationship

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Indianapolis Colts reportedly resorted to drastic measures to save the relationship between head coach Chuck Pagano and now ex-general manager Ryan Grigson.

The Colts brought in psychologists primarily to improve communication between the two men, in what was described as marriage counseling, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

However, owner Jim Irsay appeared to realize Pagano and Grigson's relationship could not be saved, firing the latter Saturday.

"There was a lot of work going on within our organization to evaluate how interaction happens, how people communicate and how we get better," Irsay said. "It wasn't just sitting and staring outside at the Indiana winter. Through that process, I think both men grew and understood where they have to change."

Reports of tension between Pagano and Grigson surfaced during the 2015 season, as the Colts struggled without the injured Andrew Luck.

The two reportedly clashed over such things as roster moves and the playing time of certain players, but the power struggle appeared to be fixed when they were both handed contract extension at the end of the 2015 season.

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