The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly planning on firing head coach Chuck Pagano after a disappointing 2015 season, and Alabama head coach Nick Saban is reportedly a top target for this offseason, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Colts owner Jim Irsay reportedly wants to make a move for Saban and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton before moving onto other candidates, according to Rapoport. Saban has already stated that he plans to finish his coaching career with the Crimson Tide and that his family and life is based around Alabama. There is a long list of places that have tried to allure Saban, both at the college and professional level, and none have been successful in recent history.
The Colts clearly have a strong foundation with franchise quarterback Andrew Luck and talented offensive playmakers, but they will likely need to make a big offer to the New Orleans Saints to make a trade for Payton. The Colts won't be the only team interested in acquiring Payton in 2016, as the Miami Dolphins have also reportedly shown interest in a making a move for the coveted head coach.
Irsay clearly wants to make a big name hire for the Colts before moving onto other candidates, but Indianapolis is still technically a long shot for the playoffs. While it seems almost inevitable that Indianapolis will be eliminated on Sunday, it will be interesting to see how Pagano's players respond on the field, as reports of his firing have been around the team all week.
