Over the last few months there have been some quiet rumblings about Shane Steichen potentially being out as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts sooner rather than later.
He endeared himself to the fanbase in his first year by almost pulling off an improbable run to the playoffs with Gardner Minshew II under center.
They were expected to take a leap, but just a year later following an incredibly disappointing season, Steichen may be on the hot seat.
Indianapolis is on the precipice of a quarterback competition in training camp which could make or break this season for both players and the coach.
Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Steichen made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2021 to 2023.
He transformed Jalen Hurts into an MVP candidate during the 2022 season en route to a Super Bowl appearance.
He was lauded as an offensive guru who could get the most out of quarterbacks and the Colts have notoriously been searching for that position for six years now, so the match seemed perfect.
However, to this point Steichen has been unable to develop Anthony Richardson which is a large part of the reason why he may be on the hot seat.
The Florida quarterback looked promising in his rookie season but arguably regressed this past year.
His early career struggles combined with his inability to stay healthy has led the team to bringing in competition.
They still believe in Richardson, but he is going to need to start improving or he won’t be starting this season which would likely spell the end of his tenure in Indianapolis.
Quarterbacks and coaches are usually tethered in today’s NFL, so his failure could also impact Steichen’s standing with the team as well.