Bruce Arians has been praised for his work as interim head coach at the Indianapolis Colts this season, resulting in the side making the playoffs.

The offensive coordinator filled in for Chuck Pagano for much of the season while the coach underwent leukemia treatment.

Pagano, who returned to work this week, paid tribute to Arians in his weekly press conference, saying: "What a masterful, masterful job you did, Bruce. You carried the torch and all you went out and did was win nine ballgames.

"You did it with dignity, and you did it with class. You're everything that I always knew you were, and more."

General manager Ryan Grigson added: "Bruce is the best example of 'Next Man Up' I've ever seen. He stepped in, carried the torch for Chuck and led this team in an extraordinary way without ever losing Chuck's message in the process."

The Colts' win over the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend ensured that they would be one of the wildcard teams in the playoffs, one year after finishing with the worst record in the league.

They face the Houston Texans later today.