Pep Hamilton Fired by Colts: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Indianapolis Colts have struggled mightily over the course of a 3-5 start, and the strife claimed its first victim Tuesday. 

According to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter and Mike Wells, the Colts have fired offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. NFL Network's Albert Breer reported Rob Chudzinski has been tabbed to replace him. 

The Colts confirmed the decision with a statement on their official website from head coach Chuck Pagano: 

"

Through the first eight weeks of the season, we have felt our offense hasn’t performed at the consistent level that we need. Because of this we’ve decided to go in a different direction and relieve Pep Hamilton of his duties as offensive coordinator. As head coach of this team, it’s my responsibility to make sure I’m doing everything we can to put us in the best position to succeed. We thank Pep for his service to the team and wish him all the best.

"

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted the Colts have kept Chudzinski on the coaching staff as a contingency plan for some time: 

Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star indicated Hamilton’s firing may only be the tipping point for the Colts: 

"

I'm here to tell you, however, there are deeper organizational issues w the Colts that this will not solve. There's significant dysfunction

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 3, 2015"

On Wednesday, Pagano made it clear he told quarterback Andrew Luck about the decision before it was made public, per Mike Chappell of CBS 4 in Indy. Luck's reaction was "Let's go to work," according to Kevin Bowen of Colts.com. He went on to add, "A lot of emotions. None of them good," per Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. 

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio indicated Pagano may also be staring down the barrel of a gun: 

Following Monday night's 29-26 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis ranks 16th in total yardage per game (352.3), 14th in average passing yards (253.4) and 24th in rushing (98.9 yards per game).

NFL Network broke down Indianapolis' statistical regression: 

Luck has been at the center of the team's shaky start, throwing for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as the Colts have spiraled out of control during a three-game losing streak. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Luck ranks last among all qualified quarterbacks in total QBR, completion percentage and interceptions on throws of at least 10 yards. 

However, Chudzinski may be able to help Luck rectify some issues if history is any indication, per Holder: 

During his two-year stint as the Panthers' offensive coordinator, Chudzinski also transformed Carolina into one of the league's most dominant rushing teams. In 2011, the Panthers ranked first in rushing touchdowns and yards per attempt before finishing third and ninth in those same categories, respectively, the following season. 

The Colts still have a chance to turn their season around given the lowly state of the AFC South, but things aren't going to get easier as the offense transitions from Hamilton's system to Chudzinski's.

Next up for Indianapolis is a Week 9 showdown with the Denver Broncos before the team is allowed to take a step back during its bye week and prepare for the 6-2 Atlanta Falcons. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.