Seahawks

INDIANAPOLIS — The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga could take a decidedly defensive turn.

Indianapolis hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as its new coach Wednesday and will introduce him at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

It's the third time Jim Irsay has turned to a defensive-minded coach since replacing his father as team owner in 1997, first hiring Jim Mora and then Tony Dungy as Mora's replacement in 2002.

"I like it," Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis wrote on Twitter.

The Colts are hoping the change produces better results after Indy went 2-14 last season, its worst record in two decades. But there are questions about how this decision will impact the future of Manning and his teammates.

Pagano, 51, had been a career assistant until Wednesday. He had coached previously in the NFL at Oakland and Cleveland and also worked extensively in college with stops at Miami and North Carolina.

He's the fourth Ravens defensive coordinator to get a head-coaching job in less than a decade. The others were Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, Jets coach Rex Ryan and former 49ers coach Mike Nolan.

Those who have worked closely with Pagano believe he's ready for the promotion.

"Chuck has a leadership quality about him. He's humble but he also knows when to take the reins and take charge," Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger said. "He doesn't try to dominate you in every meeting. He's just a coach that knows exactly how players are and what direction they need."

Raiders have deal to hire Allen

ALAMEDA, Calif. — New Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie is still finalizing a contract to make Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen the team's next head coach.

The Raiders made no announcements Wednesday and have yet to schedule a news conference, but McKenzie told Comcast SportsNet Bay Area a "handshake agreement" was in place.

While contract details were being completed, Allen was busy talking to prospective assistant coaches and the Broncos were looking for a new defensive coordinator.

While McKenzie and Dennis Allen have not worked together, McKenzie apparently has been watching from afar as Allen went from Texas A&M to Tulsa, the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and then to Denver.

Goodell's contract extended to 2019

NEW YORK — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's contract was extended through the 2018 season.

Goodell, 52, took over for Paul Tagliabue in 2006. His original five-year contract was extended in 2009, and the new extension runs through March 2019.

He was rewarded by the 32 clubs after one of the league's most successful seasons, even though it was preceded by a 4 ½ month lockout that led to a new 10-year collective-bargaining agreement. He made $10 million in his previous deal.

Notes

• New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was listed as unable to practice on the first injury report since he injured his left ankle in the AFC title game.

• Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke, 35, is retiring after 11 seasons with the team.

• Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark will replace injured Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed in this weekend's Pro Bowl.

• Hall of Famer Joe Namath said Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will be fine if the team puts the right players around him.