Arians named AP Coach of the Year

Bruce Arians stepped into a nearly impossible situation when Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this season.

Arians took over an interim coach with a rebuilt roster and a rookie quarterback in Andrew Luck. Arians guided the Colts to an 11-5 record and an unexpected wild-card berth in the AFC playoffs while Pagano was out. The Colts went 9-3 under Arians while Pagano received treatment for his illness.

After the season, the Arizona Cardinals hired Arians to be their head coach. But for his work in the 2012 season, Arians was voted as the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year. The announcement was made on Saturday.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com