Chuck Pagano Illness Thrusts Bruce Arians Into Head Coaching Role

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano will likely miss the next several games, according to the Indianapolis Star, and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will be the team's interim head coach.

The Star's report says Pagano's illness is "serious," after having undergone blood tests during the Colts bye week.

Pagano, a first-year head coach, hired Arians after the Steelers fired him/chose not to renew his contract. Arians spent the last five years in Pittsburgh as the Steelers' offensive coordinator. He served as the Steelers receivers coach from 2004-06.

The Colts are amid a rebuilding year with promising rookie quarterback Andrew Luck developing. Arians was Peyton Manning's quarterbacks coach in Indianapolis his rookie year, and that, combined with his experience playing against Pagano - Baltimore's former defensive coordinator - contributed to his hire.

Indianapolis is averaging 357 yards a game, incidentally, just ahead of PIttsburgh's 348 yards a game average.

The Colts play Green Bay this weekend in Arians' first game ever as a head coach.

We wish Pagano nothing but the best in what looks to be a very serious situation.