INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- The Indianapolis Colts have officially fired offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. The two and half year era of Hamilton being the Colts offensive coordinator is officially over. Hamilton was the coordinator last season when the Colts featured the top passing offense and third overall offense in the entire NFL. This season has been much different, in fact, it has been depressing. 

Head coach Chuck Pagano on the firing of Pep Hamilton: 

“Through the first eight weeks of the season, we have felt our offense hasn’t performed at the consistent level that we need. Because of this we’ve decided to go in a different direction and relieve Pep Hamilton of his duties as offensive coordinator."

“As head coach of this team, it’s my responsibility to make sure I’m doing everything we can to put us in the best position to succeed. We thank Pep for his service to the team and wish him all the best.”

The Colts viewed the 2015-16 season as a Super Bowl or bust season. This season has been an absolute nightmare for the Colts. Hamilton's play calling has been a concern for the Colts since the beginning of his tenure. His success has been viewed as a product of the team around him. 

The Colts offense ranks 16th in yards, 20th in points per game, and 31st in giveaways. Indianapolis has gotten off to terrible starts this season as well. They have averaged just eight first half points this season, which ranks 30th in the entire NFL. Also, the Colts have really struggled with offensive penalties such as holding and procedure penalties. 

This offense looks very undisciplined and they simply cannot effectively execute. Their offensive lineman have struggled in almost every aspect of the game this season, which has actually been a trend for Hamilton's entire tenure in Indianapolis. Their wide receivers have struggled to get open, which could partially be blamed on Hamilton's offense as well. Andrew Luck has been playing injured, perhaps even more injured than once thought, but he hasn't been too great either. Whether or not Hamilton can be blamed for Luck's struggles, he hasn't done any favors for Luck with his play calling and offensive scheme. 

Rob Chudzinski has been promoted to the offensive coordinator position for the Colts, in place of the fired Pep Hamilton. Chudzinski has a tight end background that started with the University of Miami. He was the tight end coach for the University of Miami from 1996-2000. He then was promoted to the offensive coordinator position and served at this position with the Hurricanes 2001-2003. 

Rob Chudzinski then went on to the NFL level. He became the Cleveland Browns tight ends coach for the 2004 season, but then served as the San Diego Chargers' tight ends coach from 2005-2006. Chudzinski then went back to the Cleveland Browns and was their offensive coordinator from 2007-2008. Chudzinski then went to the San Diego Chargers to become their tight ends coach/assistant head coach. 

Rob Chudzinski then got another chance as an NFL offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers this time. He was the coordinator for rookie quarterback Cam Newton. He took on one of the NFL's worst offenses and turned it into a top-10 NFL offense during the 2011 season. Carolina finished with the 7th overall offense in the NFL, they were 5th in scoring, and they even managed to set a franchise record for yards in a single season. 

Chudzinski then went onto the Indianapolis Colts as the assistant head coach to Chuck Pagano. Both were on the same staff at the University of Miami from 1995-to-2000. They were even on the same staff with the Cleveland Browns in 2004. Pagano did not let Chudzinski interview for any new coaching positions during the 2014 offseason. Now we all know why, because he wanted him as the offensive coordinator in case of failure by Pep Hamilton. It is now up to Rod Chudzinski to turn this Colts' offense around and finish out the year strong. Chudzinski isn't just coaching for his own sake, he is coaching for the jobs of GM Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano.