Indianapolis Colts Update: Rob Chudzinski Promoted to Associate Head Coach

The Indianapolis Colts have promoted Rob Chudzinski to associate head coach, the team announced Tuesday in an official statement.

Prior to his promotion, the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers were reportedly interested in interviewing the 46-year-old for the offensive coordinator position. However, Colts general manager, Ryan Grigson had denied the teams access to talk with Chudzinski. The Colts then extended Chudzinski's contract.

"We're excited to keep Chud in our family," Colts coach Chuck Pagano said in a statement. "He's been a critical part of our operation and we're looking forward to sharing even more success in the future."

In this past season, Chudzinski held the special assistant to the head coach position. Chudzinski and Pagano have worked together at the University of Miami. With Chudzinski staying in Indianapolis, quarterback Andrew Luck and the offense are expected to improve next season. Luck finished this year with a career high 4,761 passing yards and 40 touchdowns.

Before joining the Colts' staff, Chudzinski was the head coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2013. He was fired after going 4-12. He held the offensive coordinator position for the Browns in 2007-08 and the Carolina Panthers in 2011-12. From 2009-10, Chudzinski was the assistant head coach/tight ends for the San Diego Chargers.

The Colts finished this season 11-5. They won the AFC South but lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.