As the Indianapolis Colts approach the 2025 season, it will be an enormous opportunity for third-year head coach Shane Steichen.
During his brief time, we’ve witnessed two seasons of average standings, along with a variety of mistakes on both offense and defense, with a particular focus on the quarterback role.
The last two campaigns under this regime have been challenging, and as we enter year three of the Steichen era, the stakes are greater than ever for the Colts’ head coach–– if things take a negative turn for the team during the 2025 season, it might be his final year.
Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker analyzed several NFL coaches who may be on the hot seat for 2025, noting that Steichen is among those possibly battling for their positions in the upcoming year.
Steichen has compiled a 17-17 record with no playoff appearances. “Locker stated that, importantly, his exceptional play-calling hasn’t elevated Richardson to stardom despite his immense talent.”
In addition to quarterback performance, a significant issue for the Colts last season was a defense that placed 15th in success rate allowed, 18th in overall PFF grade, and 19th in PFF pass-rushing grade.
The team replaced Gus Bradley with former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who will seek to turn things around with new players like Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, and JT Tuimoloau.
Nonetheless, the final decision lies with Steichen and an offense incorporating first-round selection Tyler Warren. If Steichen’s offense fails to show greater cohesion with either Richardson or Daniel Jones at quarterback, it will probably indicate the conclusion of his time in the role.
The offseason was active for Indianapolis, featuring numerous new elements integrated into the team, both in gameplay and within the coaching staff. That might be precisely what Steichen requires to elevate the performance of this Colts team in the upcoming year, possibly leading to his first double-digit win season since assuming the role.
However, that necessitates addressing many various factors from the previous season to this one. Defensively, the Colts needed significant improvement as one of the league’s poorest run defenses and tackling units in 2024, while the offense faced a major issue regarding their quarterback situation.
History shows we’ve witnessed significant and unexpected one-year improvements in the NFL, indicating that a similar rise is certainly feasible for Indianapolis, but it will unquestionably create considerable pressure for this team to excel in the upcoming season.
The talent is present for the Colts, but we will see if Steichen can assemble the components effectively.