Chuck Pagano

Chuck Pagano
Born	Charles David Pagano Birth date -1st March 1966 Boulder, Colorado, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Wyoming
Occupation	American football coach
Known for	Head coach of the Indianapolis Colts

Charles David Pagano (born October 2, 1960) is a former American football coach and player, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). Pagano's career in football spans several decades, during which he has been recognized for his defensive coaching acumen and leadership qualities.

Early Life and Education

Chuck Pagano was born in Boulder, Colorado, and grew up in a family with a strong football background. He attended the University of Wyoming, where he played as a safety for the Wyoming Cowboys football team. Pagano graduated with a degree in marketing in 1984.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Positions

Pagano began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Southern California in 1984. He then moved on to various assistant coaching positions at several universities, including Boise State University, East Carolina University, and University of Miami. At Miami, Pagano was part of a coaching staff that developed numerous NFL players, particularly in the defensive backfield.

NFL Coaching Career

Pagano's NFL coaching career began in 2001 when he was hired as the secondary coach for the Cleveland Browns. He later served as the defensive backs coach for the Oakland Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2011, Pagano was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Ravens, where he led one of the league's top defenses. His success in Baltimore led to his hiring as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts

Pagano's tenure with the Colts was marked by both personal and professional challenges. In his first season, he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, which led to him taking a leave of absence for treatment. During his absence, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians served as interim head coach and led the team to a successful season.

Pagano returned to coaching in December 2012, inspiring the team and fans with his "Chuckstrong" campaign, which raised awareness and funds for cancer research. Under his leadership, the Colts made the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, including an appearance in the AFC Championship Game in 2014.

Pagano was known for his motivational skills and ability to connect with players, fostering a strong team culture. However, after a series of less successful seasons, he was released by the Colts in 2017.

Later Career

After leaving the Colts, Pagano took a year off from coaching before joining the Chicago Bears as their defensive coordinator in 2019. He retired from coaching in January 2021.

Personal Life

Pagano is married to Tina Pagano, and they have three daughters. He is actively involved in charitable work, particularly in cancer research and awareness, inspired by his own battle with leukemia.

Legacy

Chuck Pagano is remembered for his resilience and leadership both on and off the field. His "Chuckstrong" campaign remains a significant part of his legacy, highlighting his impact beyond football.

See Also

• Indianapolis Colts
• Baltimore Ravens
• Chicago Bears

References

• NFL Profile
• Pro Football Reference