From all the reports, Ballard wanted Pagano gone. That then begs the question "So what did Irsay tell Ballard to make him accept Pagano for at least a year?"
He may have told him something like "Look, I know you want Pagano gone, but I have too much money to pay him this year on his contract even if I fire him, plus paying the new coach. I would prefer a year to see what he can do with you."
Irsay should just take the hit and let Ballard bring in who he wants at HC, but he isn't. I was hoping Polian would advise him to fire Pagano too. This sucks.
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