Colts owner Jim Irsay undergoing treatment for 'severe respiratory illness'

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Tuesday that team owner Jim Irsay is receiving treatment for a severe respiratory illness. The 64-year-old was scheduled to play a show with his band, the Jim Irsay Band, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Thursday, but he will now have to miss the event, according to the team.

“Jim Irsay is currently being treated for a severe respiratory illness,” the Colts announced. “While this unfortunately means he won’t be able to perform with his band this week in Los Angeles, he is receiving excellent care and looks forward to returning to the stage as soon as possible. We’ll have no additional information at this time and we ask that you respect the privacy of Jim and his family as he recovers.”

The youngest NFL team owner in league history at 37, Irsay inherited ownership of the Colts from his late father, Robert Irsay. The Colts have since won 10 division titles, made the playoffs 18 times, appeared in two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl XLI.

Indianapolis ended its season on Saturday with a loss against the Houston Texans. They finished the year 9-8 under head coach Shane Steichen. The Colts haven’t finished first in their division since the 2014 season under head coach Chuck Pagano.

Commanders fire Ron Rivera, Falcons fire Arthur Smith after Week 18

The Monday following Week 18 did not disappoint with two teams firing their head coaches after losing seasons. First, following the team’s 48-17 loss on Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons fired Arthur Smith. The Falcons finished the year with a 7-10 record for the third consecutive season.

Then, the 4-13 Washington Commanders chose to part ways with head coach Ron Rivera after four seasons. Rivera, 62, had been on the hot seat with Washington having dropped seven games in a row after a 4-5 start. The Dallas Cowboys made it eight straight in the season finale Sunday with a 38-10 win.

The Commanders and the Falcons joined the Carolina Panthers in the hunt for new leadership. Panthers team owner fired Frank Reich after 11 games with a 1-10 record. The Chargers also fired head coach Brandon Staley after three seasons. Staley had a 24-24 record during his time in Los Angeles, and he only had one playoff appearance under his belt.

More teams could be making big changes this week. The New England Patriots are reportedly considering moving on from Bill Belichick after the legendary head coach posted his worst season with the team this season.

NFL Wild Card Weekend begins on Saturday with two matchups. Then, there are three games on Sunday and one on Monday night.