It didn't take long for the Indianapolis Colts' brain trust to decide the man to replace Chuck Pagano after they learned of their leader's leukemia diagnosis.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was the obvious choice.
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"It was in a nanosecond," general manager Ryan Grigson told the "NFL AM" crew Tuesday morning about the decision. "It was with (owner) Jim Irsay on the phone. Chuck and I had talked prior to that and right out of our mouth was Bruce Arians. He was the logical choice, he the best choice, and it was Chuck's wishes. We all completely agreed -- the three of us. Bruce is the guy to carry the torch for coach."
Arians, who had his own cancer battle five years ago, says the other assistants won't change their roles. Arians will just take on more responsibility, including calling plays. Grigson said the team is in the process of moving on from a great shock.
"All you can do is give an outpouring of support for your leader, your coach, and start to move forward and do what will make him happy in his recovery," Grigson said.
The best way to do that would be with a victory on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
"I know that in meeting with the players, meeting with the coaches, there's nothing more that we want than to get that Green Bay game ball and have a victory game ball and be able to walk into that hospital and put it in his hands," Irsay said during his Monday press conference. "That's our goal."
Tuesday is Pagano's birthday. The team all signed a card for him. The Colts know a win over the Packers is the best present they can give.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.