Former Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano Diagnosed With Leukemia

Earlier today the Indianapolis Colts announced head coach Chuck Pagano has been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

This form of leukemia is treatable, with an 80-90% survival rate.  Colts owner Jim Irsay has said “I think that it’s very unlikely that he will be all-in as a head coach this season.”  In the meantime offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will take over as the interim head coach.

Before taking over as the Colts head coach on January 25th, Pagano spent the last 4 years with the Baltimore Ravens.  From 2008-2010 he was the Ravens secondary coach and was the defensive coordinator last year.

Pagano was very liked among the Ravens players and everyone else in the organization.  Ravens top cornerback Lardarius Webb, who spent 3 years under Pagano, said “It hit us hard he’s one of the guys.”  Pagano helped bring the attacking style back to the Ravens defense after 2 years of a less aggressive style under Greg Mattison.