Chuck Pagano Worthy of Indianapolis Colts' Head Coach Position

The Indianapolis Colts need help on both sides of the football, but they've been in dire need of defensive help for far too long now.

Owner Jim Irsay has already hired Ryan Grigson, and the new GM is conducting a very thorough interview process for the Colts' vacant head coaching position.

The most recent candidate to sit down with Grigson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, is Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano.

The 51-year-old just completed his first season as a coordinator but has been coaching steadily since breaking in as a graduate assistant at USC in 1985.

Most notably, Pagano worked with the Browns, Raiders and Ravens as a secondary coach before taking over as defensive coordinator in Baltimore this season.

The recently-eliminated Ravens were the No. 3 total defense in the NFL and allowed only 16.6 points per game.

The most important statistic for the Colts, though, a team notoriously bad against the run, is the Ravens' second-ranked rush defense.

Pagano is far from a big name and not nearly the most experienced head coaching candidate this organization will interview, but he is worthy of the opportunity.

During his time with Oakland, he helped the Raiders become one of the best secondaries in football.

One interesting catch with a coach like Pagano would be the relationship with Peyton Manning.

Pagano isn't a guy who will come in and be able to take over without the support of the future Hall of Famer.

Hiring someone like Pagano would likely accompany a complete overhaul.

That is something the Colts need, though, and after this season's performance, they'd be foolish not to act on it.

Chuck Pagano isn't necessarily the best candidate for the job, but he is worthy.