The Shane Steichen era in Indianapolis has been a mixed bag - flashes of offensive promise, stretches of serious struggle, and a whole lot of middle-of-the-pack results. After three seasons at the helm, Steichen’s Colts have yet to break through, and the numbers tell a story that’s hard to ignore: 25-26 overall, with a 7-22 record against teams that had winning records when they played them.
Against sub-.500 squads? He’s 18-4.
That’s the definition of beating who you should - and struggling when the competition stiffens.
Steichen, to his credit, has shown he knows how to build an offense. That’s been clear since his early days with the Eagles and has carried over to Indy.
He’s helped revitalize Jonathan Taylor’s career after ankle issues derailed the star back, and he’s crafted systems that have worked with both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson under center. The offense has looked logical, balanced, and - at times - explosive.
But the bigger picture is harder to ignore. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently ranked all 37 head coaches hired since 2021, and Steichen landed right in the middle at No.
- That feels about right.
His teams have finished 8-9 or 9-8 every season - consistently average. Not bad enough to be on the hot seat, but not good enough to be considered a rising star in the coaching ranks either.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster that summed up the Steichen era perfectly. The Colts started 7-1, boasting the best record in the league and an offense firing on all cylinders.
Then came the collapse - eight straight losses to close the season at 8-9. It was a stunning freefall, one that exposed some deeper cracks in the foundation.
Injuries certainly played a role, including a devastating Achilles tear for Daniel Jones in Week 14. But even before that, the team was slipping.
Turnovers piled up, and the defense - overseen largely by Lou Anarumo - never found its footing. The Colts weren’t just losing games; they were unraveling.
It’s also worth noting that Steichen doesn’t have full control over the roster. That responsibility falls to general manager Chris Ballard.
Steichen’s job is to take what he’s given and turn it into a winning product. So far, that’s meant a lot of close calls and not enough breakthroughs.
Looking ahead to 2026, the pressure is on. The AFC South isn’t getting any easier - the Jaguars and Texans are legitimate threats, and the Titans are expected to be improved.
If the Colts want to make a real playoff push, they’ll need more than just flashes of potential. They’ll need consistency, health, and a defense that can finally hold its own.
Steichen has proven he can build an offense. Now he has to prove he can lead a team that wins when it matters. If he can do that, he won’t be sitting in the middle of any future coaching rankings - he’ll be climbing.