When Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians, stepped into his new role as interim head coach. Despite the uncertainty that surrounded the Colts, Arians led the Colts through adversity to what would become an astonishingly successful season. With 9 victories under his belt and getting the Colts to the playoffs, Arians certainly proved himself worthy of a permanent promotion. It has been reported that, after interviewing with multiple teams, Arians has found a new home.
On Thursday night, the Arizona Cardinals made it official. Bruce Arians will be their head coach going forward. The Cardinals offered a four-year contract with the option to extend to five. Arians replaces Ken Whisenhunt, who, after 6 seasons with the Cardinals, has been hired on as the offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers.
After only one season with the Colts, Bruce Arians has impacted Indianapolis in more ways than one. Not only did he achieve what many thought was impossible, he gave hope to the city. Arians proved that anyone can accomplish their goals with hard work and perseverance.
Winning one game in the NFL is a difficult task, let alone nine. If that was not enough, Arians had the task of coaching the Colts to a winning season after finishing their 2011 season 2-14.
No one thought the Colts would have a winning record at the end of this season. Certainly, Arians never thought he would be the man leading this young, rebuilding team to the playoffs. Despite the odds, the Colts did it. Bruce Arians did it. Indianapolis will surely be sad to see Arians leave, but we all know he has earned his promotion.
The Colts now shift their focus on to who will be calling the plays for Andrew Luck and company. As tough as it is to break the bond between Luck and Arians, it is good that has happened so soon. With the fortitude and leadership that Luck portrayed this season, there is little worry that he will be able to adapt to any situation in which he finds himself.
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