Steichen’s Future and a Colts Fire Sale Both on the Table
ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder joined Kevin Bowen and James Boyd on the Fan Morning Show hotline for his weekly Wednesday visit, two days after the Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard. (His segment starts at 1:06:31 of the full show.)
Steichen’s Stock Around the League
Asked whether Shane Steichen or Daniel Jones is more likely to be with the Colts in 2027, Holder leaned toward Steichen, while stressing he isn’t arguing for the coach to stay. “I will also reinforce what I know from talking to people around the NFL. They love this guy,” Holder said. “I think there is a scenario where he is a head coach somewhere else next season.”
Holder said any return would be “a remote possibility” and only if the new GM wants it. He said Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s decision to fire Ballard was a reaction to the anger in the stadium after the loss to Tennessee, and that another “untenable situation” could bring more change.
Take Every Call at the Deadline
With the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching, Holder said the Colts face a dilemma: trading veterans like Quenton Nelson or DeForest Buckner lowers their chances this season, and expiring contracts may limit what they bring back. Still, he said the team has “an absolute responsibility to take every phone call.” “If there are sellers and buyers in the NFL… they’re definitely a seller, and it’s just a matter of whether the price is right.”
Daniel Jones on Notice?
Holder said a quarterback change is “still on the table” if Jones can’t turn things around, calling this as bad as Jones has played. He acknowledged the injuries and a struggling supporting cast, “but it doesn’t matter… nobody cares.”
More Colts: Colts fire GM Chris Ballard, why the firing was beyond needed and this week’s Colts Wednesday Notebook. See the 2026 Colts schedule and Colts front office.