Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has heard about the reports of a disintegrating relationship between Colts head coach Chuck Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson. He's heard about the rumors of front office discord and, as one of the few people privy to the truth of the matter, Irsay finds the talk ultimately ridiculous.
"That couldn't be farther from the truth," Irsay said, via the Indianapolis Star. "Someone mentioned that to me when I walked in the locker room. I don't keep track of the rumor mill. That could not be farther from the truth. Ryan and Chuck work hard together. They have a great relationship. I've seen coaches and general managers work together since I was 11 years old. I know the dynamic that needs to be there to work together. They have a great relationship."
Of course, there have been not one, but several reports to the contrary, mostly pointing to Pagano's desire to have more of a hand in player acquisition. Coupled with the lack of a long-term extension for Pagano - though the team has offered him short-term Band-Aid deals - the coach who took a two-win Colts team in 2012 and has advanced it a step farther into the postseason each year he's been at the helm since, it does seem that something may be amiss in Indiana.
Still, Irsay was vehement.
"That report is completely false," he said. "I guarantee you. There is not one shred of truth to it at all, honestly. These guys have a great relationship. When I heard the report, I was as shocked as anyone. We have so many reports that go around the league these days with Twitter and all the different people who publish reports who are so-called journalists. Couldn't be further from the truth."
Considering NFL executives and owners lie through their teeth only to go back on their word at a later date when they hope/believe everyone has forgotten their initial commentary, Irsay's spirited defense of his two top men really means little.
In the end, Pagano's relationship with Grigson, strained or not, will only last as long as he keeps the Colts winning. And considering the team kicked off the 2015 season with an absolute stinker against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, questions of Pagano's future in Indy may begin to arise much sooner than expected.
