Chuck Pagano facts for kids
Pagano with the Baltimore Ravens in 2009
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| Personal information | |
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| Born: | October 2, 1960 Boulder, Colorado, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Fairview (Boulder) |
| College: | Wyoming |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | 53–43 (.552) |
| Postseason: | 3–3 (.500) |
| Career: | 56–46 (.549) |
| Coaching stats at PFR | |
Charles David Pagano (born October 2, 1960) is an American former football coach. He worked in the National Football League (NFL) for many years. He is best known for being the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to 2017. Pagano also served as a defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears. He retired from coaching in 2021. He is the older brother of another coach, John Pagano.
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Playing Career
Chuck Pagano was a talented football player in his younger days. He played strong safety at Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado. After high school, he went on to play at the University of Wyoming. He was a four-year starter there, playing strong safety for the college team. He earned his degree in marketing in 1984.
Coaching Career
College Coaching
Pagano started his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1984 to 1985. He then moved to the University of Miami in 1986. He coached outside linebackers at Boise State University from 1987 to 1988.
Later, he coached defensive backs at East Carolina University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). By 1991, he became the defensive coordinator for UNLV. He returned to East Carolina in 1992, coaching defensive backs and outside linebackers.
In 1995, Pagano joined Butch Davis at the University of Miami. There, he coached the secondary and special teams. During his time, he helped develop many talented players who later joined the NFL. In 2000, his secondary defense was recognized as the best in the nation. His defensive backs were so good that they didn't allow a single passing touchdown for 27 quarters in the 1999 season. His teams also blocked many kicks, which is a special play in football.
After leaving Miami, Pagano rejoined Butch Davis at the University of North Carolina in 2007. He was the defensive coordinator for one season.
NFL Coaching
Browns, Raiders, Ravens
In 2001, Chuck Pagano moved to the NFL, joining the Cleveland Browns as their secondary coach. He helped the Browns defense become very strong against passing plays. In 2003, his defense allowed only 13 passing touchdowns, which tied a team record. In 2001, his secondary players made 28 of the team's 33 interceptions, which was a league high.
After four seasons with the Browns, Pagano became the defensive backs coach for the Oakland Raiders for two years. In 2006, the Raiders' defense was excellent. They allowed the fewest passing yards per game in the league. They also ranked third in total yards allowed per game.
Pagano then joined the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff in 2008. He worked as the defensive secondary coach for three seasons. In 2011, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. Under his leadership, the Ravens' defense was one of the best in the NFL. They finished third in points allowed and yards allowed. They were also very good at stopping the run and greatly improved their pass defense.
Indianapolis Colts Head Coach
On January 25, 2012, Chuck Pagano became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts had a tough season before he arrived, winning only two games. During his first season, Pagano faced a serious health challenge. He was diagnosed with a type of cancer called leukemia. He took time off for treatment, and Bruce Arians stepped in as the interim head coach.
Even with Pagano away for part of the season, the Colts had an amazing turnaround. They finished with 11 wins and 5 losses, a huge improvement from the previous year. Pagano returned for the final game of the regular season, and his cancer was in remission. The Colts made it to the playoffs but lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2013, Pagano led the Colts to another 11-5 record. They won their division, the AFC South. In the playoffs, they had an incredible comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs, winning after being down by 28 points. This was Pagano's first playoff victory. They lost in the next round.
The Colts continued their success in 2014, again finishing 11-5 and winning their division. They advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the first time under Pagano. However, they lost to the New England Patriots.
In 2015 and 2016, the Colts finished with 8 wins and 8 losses each year, missing the playoffs. Their star quarterback, Andrew Luck, was dealing with injuries during this time. Pagano received a four-year contract extension after the 2015 season.
For the 2017 season, Andrew Luck was injured and did not play at all. The Colts finished with a 4-12 record. On December 31, 2017, Pagano was let go as head coach after three straight seasons without making the playoffs.
After leaving the Colts, Pagano spent 2018 working as a consultant for different NFL teams.
Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator
On January 11, 2019, Pagano was hired by the Chicago Bears as their defensive coordinator. He took over from Vic Fangio.
In his first game with the Bears, his defense played very well, but the team lost. The defense had a strong start to the 2019 season. They were good at getting the ball back from opponents. The Bears finished the year with an 8-8 record. Their defense was ranked among the best in the league. Key players like Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson were recognized for their great play.
The Bears defense continued to be strong in 2020, helping the team start with a 5-1 record. However, the team later went through a tough losing streak. The defense struggled to keep up its high performance. The Bears finished the season 8-8 again and made it to the playoffs. They lost in the Wild Card Round to the New Orleans Saints.
On January 13, 2021, Chuck Pagano announced his retirement from coaching. He explained that coaching takes a lot of time away from family. He was excited to spend more time with his loved ones.
Media Career
After retiring from coaching, Chuck Pagano started a career in media. He often appeared on The Pat McAfee Show. During the 2022 NFL season, he hosted his own segment called "Coach P's Keys." When the show moved to ESPN, his segment was dropped, but he continued to appear as a football expert.
Personal Life
In September 2012, Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with a serious illness called acute promyelocytic leukemia. He took a break from coaching to get treatment. He spent three months at a cancer center in Indianapolis. In November, doctors announced that his cancer was in remission, meaning it was under control.
To show their support for Pagano, many Colts players and cheerleaders shaved their heads. This movement was known as "CHUCKSTRONG." While he was away, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians led the team. Pagano returned to his head coaching duties on December 24, 2012.
Chuck Pagano is a Christian. He and his wife, Tina, have three daughters. His nephew, Carlo Kemp, is also a football player. Chuck's younger brother, John Pagano, is also a football coach who has worked in the NFL.
Images for kids
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Pagano with the Baltimore Ravens in 2009
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Pagano (left) and Andrew Luck (right) at the Colts training camp in 2015
