Tom Pelissero

USA TODAY Sports

The biggest shocker of Black Monday didn’t involve who’s going, but who’s staying.

The Indianapolis Colts announced Monday night they’ve agreed to a four-year contract extension with coach Chuck Pagano, whose future with the organization had been the subject of intense speculation for months.

A report from ESPN last week said the Colts had already decided to fire Pagano. But less than 24 hours after Pagano’s contract expired, the Colts announced a new deal.

"I've had a lot of great days in my life, but none better than today," Pagano said at a news conference. "Today is absolutely the best day of my life."

Pagano is 41-23 in his four years with the Colts. Indianapolis missed the playoffs at 8-8 this season, but star quarterback Andrew Luck sat out nine games with a lacerated kidney.

The team also gave general manager Ryan Grigson an extension through the end of Pagano's contract. Irsay defended Grigson's track record, saying he had "outdone" Hall of Famer Bill Polian during his time.

Irsay also dismissed reports of a rift, saying Pagano pushed for Grigson to receive the new deal.

"It was always my hope that this would be the direction we had, but I had to be sure," Colts owner Jim Irsay said.

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