Colts Coach Chuck Pagano returns to team after cancer fight Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano is shown at a Sept. 9 game against Chicago. He also coached the Sept. 16 game but was then diagnosed with cancer. He's been on a leave of absence since but returned to the team headquarters Monday. INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Indianapolis Colts first-year Coach Chuck Pagano, on leave because of cancer, returned to Colts' headquarters Monday. Pagano, 52, in September was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia and took an indefinite leave of absence from coaching. In early November, doctors said the cancer was in remission and last week Pagano was cleared to return to coaching duties. The Colts were 1-1 when Pagano left the team and have posted a 9-3 record with Bruce Arians as interim coach. Indianapolis has qualified for the AFC playoffs. Pagano is expected to be on the sidelines Sunday when the Colts play the Houston Texans at home in the final regular-season game.