Chuck Pagano Returns to Ravens Coaching Staff Rejects Head Coach Role

Chuck Pagano, the former Indianapolis Colts head coach, ended his four-year retirement to rejoin the Baltimore Ravens as senior secondary coach in early 2025. Despite his return to coaching, Pagano has made it clear he has no interest in pursuing another head coaching position, emphasizing his preference to focus on coaching the game rather than the broader responsibilities of a head coach. His previous head coaching tenure with the Colts included a 56-46 record and three playoff appearances, but he stepped away after 2017 and later served as the Bears' defensive coordinator before retiring. Pagano cited the unique opportunity with the Ravens—one of the NFL’s elite teams with a strong roster—as the primary motivation to come back, noting that it was the only offer that could get him off the couch. He praised the Ravens’ organizational consistency and expressed appreciation for reconnecting with head coach John Harbaugh, under whom he previously coached. Overall, Pagano is enjoying his role and the challenge of coaching again, valuing the daily grind and player interaction without the added pressures of head coaching.