The Indianapolis Colts have fired their offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton after a poor offensive start to the season. Rob Chudzinski will take over offensive coordinator duties and responsibilities.
This is the first of what is expected to be several firings from the Colts coaching staff between now and the end of the season, with most expecting head coach Chuck Pagano will not be offered a new contract at the end of the year.
The final nail in the coffin for Hamilton's time at the AFC South side was the poorly planned out performance against the Carolina Panthers on Monday night. Despite the comeback in the fourth quarter, the Colts lost the game in overtime 29-26.
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Pagano said in a statement, according to NFL.com: "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."
Unsurprisingly, Colts fans have welcomed the change in coaching with open arms, and some are even throwing their hat in the ring for the newly opened vacancy.
It's strange to think Hamilton's job may have been decided by the late outcome of the game on Monday night, but that appears to be how football works these days. If the Panthers had missed the late field goal and the Colts had gone on to win the game, would he still be in a game?
Under new management, the Colts offense will try and turn around their 3-5 season this Sunday against former franchise quarterback Peyton Manning and the undefeated Denver Broncos. No pressure there at all!