Bruce Arians spent 2011 as Colts' offensive coordinator.

BRUCE ARIANS

Age: 60

Position: Offensive coordinator/interim head coach

Team: Indianapolis Colts

NFL Experience: 20 years

Status: Season ended in AFC Wildcard round

Arians was half of one of the most followed story lines in the NFL this season.

After three games, Arians replaced Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano on an interim basis while Pagano was treated for a form of leukemia. In Pagano's place, Arians went 9-3, stealing the spotlight on a weekly basis while leading the unheralded Colts to an unexpected playoff berth. All with a rookie quarterback.

In his first stint as head coach since 1988, his last season at Temple University, Arians flourished. The Colts were ranked in the Top 10 of seven offensive categories, including leading the league in fourth-down percentage. Led by Arians, who was working with 36 new players, the Colts' rookies, including quarterback Andrew Luck, set a league record for most yards by rookies since the NFL merger.

The team's success coming off a 2-14 season earned Arians NFL coach of the year honors.

He's best known as an offensive mind who doesn't pull any strings with his players or the media. And he's also known for developing young players.

Arians was Peyton Manning's first quarterbacks coach in Indianapolis before a short stop in Cleveland preceded a seven-year stretch in Pittsburgh.

Arians' resume includes two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers.

He replaced former Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt as the Steelers offensive coordinator in 2007.

Arians attended Virginia Tech and also coached in New Orleans and Kansas City.