When the Indianapolis Colts came out firing to start the 2025 season, one thing was clear: head coach Shane Steichen wasn’t afraid to roll the dice. Fourth-and-short?
Inside enemy territory? You could almost count on Steichen keeping the offense on the field.
And more often than not, those gambles paid off.
But those decisions weren’t just gut calls. Behind the headset, there was a voice helping guide those high-stakes moments - a blend of analytics, situational awareness, and real-time game flow. That voice belonged to Charlie Gelman.
Now, Gelman is headed back to where his NFL journey began. He’s joining the Baltimore Ravens as a Game Management Coordinator and defensive assistant under new head coach Jesse Minter. It’s a move that might not grab national headlines, but make no mistake - it matters.
A Quiet Catalyst in Indy’s 2025 Success
Gelman’s title in Indianapolis may not have been front and center, but his impact was undeniable. He spent three seasons with the Colts, and during that time, he became a trusted resource for Steichen - especially in those make-or-break moments that define close games.
Take fourth downs, for example. The Colts attempted 27 of them last season - middle of the pack in terms of volume - but they converted two-thirds of those tries.
That 66.7% success rate ranked fifth in the NFL. That’s not just aggressive play-calling; that’s calculated risk backed by strong data and sharp instincts.
Gelman also played a key role in advising Steichen on when to challenge plays - another area where timing and confidence can swing momentum. In a league where the margin between winning and losing is razor-thin, having someone in the coach’s ear who can blend numbers with feel is invaluable.
Back to Baltimore
For Gelman, this move to Baltimore is a return to familiar ground. He got his NFL start with the Ravens back in 2019 as a scouting analytics intern. Now, he steps into a more prominent role with a franchise known for embracing innovation and smart football.
He replaces Daniel Stern, who left the Ravens this offseason to become an associate head coach with the Cleveland Browns. That’s a notable trajectory - and it underscores just how important this Game Management Coordinator role has become across the league. It’s not just about crunching numbers from the booth anymore; it’s about shaping the way a team operates in real time.
What It Means for the Colts
Losing Gelman isn’t just about replacing a title. It’s about filling a strategic voice in the decision-making process.
The Colts were a team that lived on the edge last season - taking chances, pushing tempo, and trusting their process. That identity doesn’t change overnight, but the absence of someone who helped shape those decisions will be felt.
Steichen will still be aggressive. That’s in his DNA.
But having a trusted right-hand man in moments of uncertainty? That’s not easy to replace.
As for Gelman, this new chapter with the Ravens could be a stepping stone to even bigger things. He’s part of a growing wave of football minds who live at the intersection of analytics and coaching - and teams across the league are taking notice.
Bottom line: the Colts are losing more than just an assistant. They’re losing a key part of the operation that helped them punch above their weight in 2025. And the Ravens, in turn, are gaining a sharp thinker who knows how to help a team win the margins.