The Sports Xchange

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay denied there is a rift between head coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson.

Irsay responded to reports of a coach/GM feud after the Colts were dominated by Buffalo Bills 27-14 in Sunday’s season opener.

“That couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Irsay told the Indianapolis Star. “Someone mentioned that to me when I walked in the locker room. I don’t keep track of the rumor mill. That could not be farther from the truth. Ryan and Chuck work hard together. They have a great relationship. I’ve seen coaches and general managers work together since I was 11 years old. I know the dynamic that needs to be there to work together. They have a great relationship.

“That report is completely false. I guarantee you. There is not one shred of truth to it at all, honestly. These guys have a great relationship. When I heard the report, I was as shocked as anyone. We have so many reports that go around the league these days with Twitter and all the different people who publish reports who are so-called journalists. Couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Pagano and Grigson have insisted there is harmony within the Colts’ power structure, at least most of the time.

Pagano, a first-time head coach hired by Grigson in 2012 who has said the Colts are operating without ego. and Grigson, a first-time general manager who replaced recent Hall of Fame inductee Bill Polian before he named Pagano to succeed Tony Dungy, have been subject to reports that each could be on the hot seat if the Colts don’t find playoff success this season.

Pagano’s lack of a contract beyond this season has been a topic of conversation at points during the offseason and again before kickoff Sunday when multiple reports suggested that Pagano expects to be elsewhere next year.

“It’s out there all the time,” Pagano said after the game, via WTHR-TV. “We’re all on one-day contracts. I’ve told you that before. I understand what I signed up for. I understand where I’m at. It’s one football game. I believe in this team. I believe in this staff and I believe in myself.”

Irsay was asked about Pagano’s contract and whether negotiations might continue during the season.

“That’s not even anything that is even on our minds right now,” Irsay told the newspaper. “We’re in season mode. It feels strange being asked that question right now because you guys have known that dynamic for months now.”