Colts Coach Chuck Pagano Diagnosed with Treatable Leukemia
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George Gojkovich/Getty Images(INDIANAPOLIS) — Indianapolis Colts first-year head coach Chuck Pagano has been diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia, team owner Jim Irsay confirmed on Monday.
“We did have the coach go in and get fully evaluated on the bruising and his fatigue and the conclusion came down that he did have leukemia,” Irsay said adding that Pagano waited until the Colts’ bye week last week to be checked out.
Taking over as interim head coach will be offensive coordinator Bruce Arians while Pagano undergoes treatment.
“We’re fortunate to have a veteran coach like Bruce to be here and lead the team,” said Irsay.
Pagano has acute myeloid leukemia, where the bone marrow is producing abnormal white blood cells that interfere with healthy blood cells. Dr. Larry D. Cripe said at the news conference that Pagano is undergoing chemotherapy and the goal of the treatment is to “cure” the coach, which means the disease remains in remission for 3 to 5 years.
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