Arians: Coach Pagano back on Monday

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Colts Interim Head Coach Bruce Arians told WISH-TV Sports Director Anthony Calhoun Thursday night they are planning on Coach Pagano returning to work next Monday to coach the team’s final game of the regular season at Lucas Oil Stadium against Houston.

Pagano has been sidelined since early October due to his battle with leukemia.

“There wouldn’t be a better Christmas present in the world for all of us to have him back in the office full time, to be able to pace himself through the week and make sure he is ready to go on Sunday. It’s going to be a grind, but I think he is more than ready for it. We have our fingers crossed that he is back here on Monday,” said Arians.

Arians, who overcame prostate cancer, said it’s going to be wonderful seeing Pagano back doing what he loves to do - coach.

“You don’t throw the word miracles out very often, but I think what Chuck has done. I think what this community has done for Chuck, and the football team, and Chuckstrong, and all that, has helped this all take place so quickly. He’s had so many prayers and so many people pulling for him, the football team doing what it has done for him has made him healthy I think faster than most people. He is reaching out and he’s touching so many young lives now.”

The Colts play Kansas City Sunday at 1 p.m. on WISH-TV.