OC Bruce Arians Indianapolis Colts’ interim coach as Chuck Pagano suffers leukaemia – NFL News
The Indianapolis Colts have handed over the head coaching job to offensive coordinator Bruce Arians on an interim basis as Chuck Pagano is expected to be out of the side with a leukaemia problem that has recently been diagnosed.
Chuck’s illness was confirmed by owner Jim Irsay in an emotional media call on Monday (Oct. 01) who expressed optimism that the coach will be able to fight the problem successfully.
He said:
"I am optimistic. I feel with every fibre of my body and I know Chuck feels the same way that he can beat this thing."
The owner admitted it was a disappointing development for the team and the entire squad as the first-year coach had worked hard to help the Colts bounce back on the last year’s performance disaster.
Pagano is expected to spend at least six to eight weeks in the hospital to get the problem treated and according to the owner he is unlikely to resume the coaching responsibilities this season at all.
In absence of Pagano, Arians will be performing into his role on a temporary arrangement for this entire season.
Irsay said:
"I think it's unlikely he'll be all-in as the head coach the rest of this season. He may be able to come back and be in the press box or something."
Some media reports had claimed that Pagano had been feeling fatigue and bruising last week but he waited to be checked by the medical staff. A thorough inspection has revealed the coach is suffering from leukaemia and the treatment will require him to be
hospitalised for about two months or may be even more.
Arians has also confidence that Pagano will be able to recover to previous health and fitness. He said:
"He will do fine. I know him. He's a fighter. He's survived tough times already in his life. As a cancer survivor myself, I know that these first few days are really hard on you but as he and I talked yesterday, it's just a matter of time."
Pagano joined the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year to replace former coach Jim Caldwell, who along with other entire staff was sacked by Irsay in rash overhauling of the team.
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