Report: Colts not expected to extend Chuck Pagano's contract prior to season

It appears Chuck Pagano's future with the Indianapolis Colts may depend solely on the team's performance in the upcoming season.

Though it's standard practice for teams to extend a head coach's contract heading into its final year - often whether they plan to retain him or not - the Colts are not expected to do so with Pagano prior to the 2015 campaign, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Colts did reach out to Pagano and offered him a modest one-year extension at one point, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4, but he's likely looking for some more long-term security after guiding Indy to three straight playoff appearances. 

Pagano's teams have been among the league's most consistent since he took over in 2012, posting three consecutive 11-5 records and advancing one round further in the playoffs each year.

Despite the impressive run, however, a productive offseason may have the Colts' front office thinking Super Bowl or bust, and wanting to keep its options open in the event the team fails to meet expectations.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett found himself in a similar predicament earlier this offseason, remaining unsigned several days after a disappointing divisional-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers. 

While a substantial improvement by the Cowboys landed Garrett a lucrative five-year, $30-million deal, Pagano earning a similar contract may be contingent upon the Colts making an appearance on football's biggest stage.