Coach Chuck Pagano denies rift with GM Ryan Grigson, but there are issues

Stephen Holder | USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS — Over the course of the past couple of seasons, there have been times when Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano had differences in opinions.

Most were related to personnel, whether regarding the makeup of the roster or disagreements about which players should play certain roles.

But neither considers it a deep-rooted problem. Pagano's lack of a contract extension beyond this season and recent reports suggesting there are issues between the pair led to them issue a denial on Monday.

"It's hard enough to win in this league when everyone's getting along," Grigson said. "You've got no shot if you're not. It makes no sense for us to be going in opposite directions. That's not the case. Trust me. At the end of the day, we always do what's best for the horseshoe. Period."

Said Pagano: "We have no egos around here. Everybody checks them at the door every day they come to work. Players, coaches, myself, Ryan. The only thing that matters is the 'shoe and what's best for the 'shoe."

But here's what you should know about Grigson and Pagano. They do not always agree. This is a fact that is very well known by people inside and outside the organization. That is also not unique in the NFL, nor in Indianapolis. Tony Dungy and Bill Polian didn't always see eye-to-eye, but that didn't stop them from winning a Super Bowl together.

Furthermore, NFL history is littered with examples of coaches and executives who had disagreements, some more public than others.

So, Pagano and Grigson are not different from most anyone else.

But – there's always a "but" – there are some issues that have understandably fueled speculation that there are problems between them.

The most obvious is Pagano's contract situation. He was offered a one-year extension and declined it, likely because he didn't like its terms. He's basically a lame-duck coach whose deal expires after this season, and owner Jim Irsay and Grigson allowed that to happen.

But there's another issue at work here, and it's Grigson's tendency to make decisions that run counter to Pagano's wishes.

Whereas lineup decisions are generally the domain of a team's coach, Grigson does insert himself into such situations, numerous sources have said. A prime example: Grigson was heavily involved in the team's decision to change centers twice during the 2014 season, according to multiple sources, including the first change from A.Q. Shipley to Jon Harrison that many viewed as unwarranted.

There's a perception in NFL circles that Grigson is calling most of the shots at Colts headquarters, and that kind of thing can and does frustrate coaches.

Another thing: Irsay is a factor here. He is the one who empowered Grigson. If and when Grigson overrules Pagano, he is, essentially, doing it with Irsay's blessing. (Side note: Irsay is very well aware of anything that happens in his building, as he is not an absent owner. If he sees the need, he can and does step in during the decision-making process).

Does all of this constitute a rift between Pagano and Grigson? No.

Does that mean there are no issues? No.

Do "we agree to disagree? Absolutely," Pagano said. "Is there going to be some fireworks at times? Absolutely. Every single room I've been in as a defensive coach for 28 years, whether as coordinator or a position coach, offensively, there's going to be some fireworks in those rooms. Okay? But at the end of the day the only thing that matters is what is best for the 'shoe, and what is best for the team."

Stephen Holder writes for Indianapolis Star