Colts' Pagano Has New Four-Year Contract

Chuck Pagano's determination to keep his job as Indianapolis Colts coach paid off when the team rewarded him with a new four-year contract late Monday night.

"I'm happy to announce that we are moving forward with Chuck as our coach," owner Jim Irsay said in a news conference. "It was something I was hopeful would be the case. We gave it careful consideration. Really, it was something, you know my focus was always on winning and going forward in the best way we can to win, and yes, continuity plays a role. It is important.

"I'm really thrilled," Irsay said. "Chuck has earned the opportunity. It worked out really well."

Pagano will be paired with general manager Ryan Grigson for four more years in Indianapolis, as Irsay also said Grigson was given a three-year extension so that he and Pagano are signed through 2019.

"They're going forward together," Irsay said. "Chuck made a point of that unsolicited alone in my office. I had no problem with that. These are our guys. These guys are ready. There's been a lot reported, a lot written. I know what the reality is, and this is definitely what's best for the Indianapolis Colts going forward. I'm sure of that."

Chicago Bears: Bears general manager Ryan Pace stressed Monday that the team desperately needs to acquire playmakers on both sides of the football. "We just need to keep adding more playmakers, man. And I know we're going to do that with all the different avenues that we have. And I think going into Year 2 of an offensive and defensive system is going to benefit us as well. But we're going to add a lot more playmakers." The Bears are expected to have in excess of $50 million in available salary-cap space, but Pace says he plans to spread the resources around. The Bears will not spend money just for the sake of spending money. -- Jeff Dickerson

St. Louis Rams: Rams coach Jeff Fisher indicated Monday that some coaching staff changes will be in the offing. That could happen as soon as Wednesday, which Fisher alluded to. But Fisher hasn't finalized any decisions yet. -- Nick Wagoner

Saturday, January 9 Schedule (All Times Central)

Kansas City at Houston, 3:20 p.m.

AFC WILD CARD PLAYOFF

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 7:15 p.m.

AFC WILD CARD PLAYOFF

Sunday, January 10 Schedule (All Times Central)

Seattle at Minnesota, 12:05 p.m.

NFC WILD CARD PLAYOFF

Green Bay at Washington, 3:40 p.m.