Colts owner Irsay: 'I'm really excited about where we're headed'

The Indianapolis Colts' search for a new head coach is underway.

Chuck Pagano was fired Sunday after leading the team to a disappointing 4-12 season. The franchise is now looking for an ideal candidate to replace him.

"I'm really excited about where we're headed and the direction that we're going," team owner Jim Irsay said Monday in a joint press conference with general manager Chris Ballard, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star reports.

"I couldn't be more excited. I've had a chance to work with Chris and to see what kind of general manager the Colts have, it's something that reinforces the hire that was made."

The duo said they won't look specifically for an offensive or defensive specialist, and previous head coaching experience will not be a requirement for the job. Ballard said the entire interview process - including the candidates - will be kept internal.

But, he does have one specific ask:

"I want somebody who wants to come to the Indianapolis Colts. I don't want somebody who's just coming here for Andrew Luck," Ballard said, according to RTV6 Indianapolis.

Luck, the franchise quarterback, missed the entire 2017 season after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. He recently returned from a rehab stint in the Netherlands and will resume throwing soon.

Irsay believes Luck will make a triumphant return.

"If you told me last year that he would've missed the whole year, I would not have believed you. Would not," Irsay said, according to Holder.

"I have no doubt in my mind that Andrew is going to come back. That kid is a special kid. Special. He was born to do great things in the National Football League," he added, via Mike Wells of ESPN.