NFL-National Football League roundup

Dec 31 (The Sports Xchange) - Unless Indianapolis get a playoff berth, the Colts plan to dismiss head coach Chuck Pagano after the season, ESPN.com reported Thursday, based on league sources. General manager Ryan Grigson would assist in the search for a new coach, according to the report. However, it is uncertain whether Grigson would be retained as general manager next season. Owner Jim Irsay released a statement later Thursday, which read: "As of today, no decision has been made with respect to any structural changes within the Colts organization for 2016 and beyond." The Colts (7-8) are unlikely to get into the playoffs. They would need to beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and get help from eight other teams to win the AFC South and get a playoff berth. The firing of Pagano would not come as a big surprise. He turned down a contract extension, the Colts have a losing record after being considered a Super Bowl contender in preseason, and Pagano and Grigson reportedly do not have a good relationship. - - - Quarterback Johnny Manziel will not play for the Browns against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, which means Austin Davis will be the starting quarterback in Cleveland's final game of the season. Manziel is still going through the NFL concussion protocol, and coach Mike Pettine said Thursday it is unrealistic to believe Manziel could play this week. The Browns also signed Pat Devlin to be Austin's backup. Devlin has never played in a regular-season NFL game. - - - Chip Kelly was a good coach. He was also a dictator. Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson described Kelly in those terms, summarizing with equal parts praise and criticism exactly how players felt about their coach the past three seasons. "Maybe the ego got in the way," Johnson said. "Too much power. Control. Not being human about things; not working together, with the team, instead of being a dictator." Owner Jeffrey Lurie fired Kelly on Tuesday. - - - The New York Giants placed linebacker J.T. Thomas and long-snapper Danny Aiken on injured reserve and signed linebacker Nico Johnson and long-snapper Tyler Ott from the practice squad. Thomas is sidelined with an ankle injury and Aiken suffered a thumb injury during Thursday's practice, bringing to 21 the number of Giants players on injured reserve. (Editing by Andrew Both)