New Chicago Bears defensive coordinator and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano says he has no interest in becoming a head coach ever again:
“I’m not. I’ve done it,” Pagano said, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com. “I’m motivated to just help coach Matt Nagy be successful. Help this organization be successful. Help these kids grow and develop. That’s my motivation is to be the best I can be for this organization, for the McCaskey family, for coach Nagy and for these players and for these coaches and help develop these guys. That’s the only thing I want to do.”
Pagano spent six years as head coach of the Colts, posting a record of 53-43 before being fired after going 4-12 in 2017. Of course, Indianapolis' ineptitude that year had a lot to do with quarterback Andrew Luck missing the entire season due to shoulder issues.
The 58-year-old, who missed 12 games during his first season in 12 as he battled cancer, led Indy to the playoffs in each of his first three years at the helm, culminating in an AFC Championship Game appearance during the 2014-15 campaign.
“I am better, not bitter,” Pagano said when asked about his firing. “We had a great run, great experiences together. I was a lot better coach when No. 12 [Luck] was under center than I was when he wasn’t, you know, and that’s well documented. He probably got me a few more years than I may have deserved. I always say that. My wife is going to kill me for saying that, ‘just don’t say that.’ I just keep it real. But it was great to see Andrew back.”
Pagano did not coach at all in 2018.
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