In a report by Baltimore Ravens.com the Indianapolis Colts announced on Wednesday that they hired Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano as their new head coach.
In his first year as Baltimore’s coordinator Pagano’s defense ranked third in the NFL in points allowed and average yards per game.
“It’s difficult to leave the Ravens but I couldn’t pass up on this great opportunity,” Pagano said. “I’m just thrilled and so excited.” Pagano, who was a players coach, gained support by many of the Ravens defensive players when he took over in the 2011 season.
“Chuck, he’s the ultimate coach that you wanted to play for,” linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo said, saying Pagano was fun in meeting rooms and would play the iPhone game “Words With Friends” with him at night.
“On the field, you never wanted to let him down. It’s great news. You like to see people excel and become so much more and see what they become. It would be a selfish point of view to be sad. He’s going on to bigger things.”
Congratulations to him,” linebacker Jameel McClain said. “The Colts organization got a great guy, a great coach. I think he’ll make an amazing head coach. Anybody would like to go to bat with a guy who will have your back.”
Pagano is the fourth Ravens defensive coordinator to take a head coaching job elsewhere, joining Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati), Mike Nolan (San Francisco) and Rex Ryan (New York Jets).