Chuck Pagano expects to coach Colts for 'years to come'
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano says in a statement Friday night that he expects to keep his current job for ''many years to come.''
Pagano is entering the final year of his original four-year deal with Indianapolis. Earlier this week, Pagano told local reporters at the league's annual meetings that the run defense must improve or someone else will fix it.
That has led to speculation about whether Pagano will be back even after leading the Colts to the playoffs three times, winning the last two AFC South titles and reaching last season's AFC championship game.
"Be where your feet are," Pagano wrote in a letter via the Indianapolis Star's Stephen Holder. "What do I mean? Cancer taught me to be thankful for today. All I'm concentrating on is today. Then tomorrow. My focus right now is on the draft, bringing in players that can help us continue to grow, get better, and continue to 'Build the Monster.' I look forward to coaching the Colts this season and for many years to come."
Pagano tried to temper the speculation Friday by writing in part that his fight with cancer has helped teach him the importance of ''concentrating on today.''