Could Shane Steichen win NFL Coach of the Year in 2025? The former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator became the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach in 2023.
So far, Steichen has had a solid but not legendary career in Indianapolis. During his first season with the Colts, he guided the team to a 9-8 record. Indianapolis nearly made the playoffs that year, but they lost in the regular season finale to the Houston Texans.
No, the Colts didn’t make the playoffs, but it was still a great coaching performance by Steichen. Winning nine games without your starting quarterback (Anthony Richardson missed 13 games due to injury) and playing with backup Gardner Minshew is impressive.
Then last season, Steichen’s Colts finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs once again. Sure, an 8-9 record is nothing to be excited about. But with a bad defense and not-so-elite quarterback play from Richardson and Joe Flacco, things could’ve been a lot worse. Here are two reasons Steichen can win Coach of the Year.
Why the Colts’ Shane Steichen Could Win NFL Coach of the Year in 2025
Improved Defense
A horrible defense was instrumental in the Colts’ failure to make the playoffs last season. Fortunately, the unit should be much better in 2025. Indianapolis parted ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and replaced him with Lou Anarumo. Anarumo’s defense helped the Cincinnati Bengals make a Super Bowl appearance during the 2021 season.
This offseason, the Colts gave Anarumo an upgraded defense to work with. The team signed defenders like Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, and Joe Bachie. Then in the draft, they landed defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, cornerback Justin Wally, and defensive tackle Tim Smith.
Those newcomers are expected to team with holdovers like DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, and Zaire Franklin to give the Colts a top-notch defense in 2025. If that comes to fruition, it will improve Steichen’s chances of winning Coach of the Year honors.
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen high fives Indianapolis Colts safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. (48) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Dynamic Offense (Possibly)
The Colts have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball as well. While they lost Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries to the Minnesota Vikings, their offensive line should still be fine without those two. Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves, Kelly and Fries’ replacements, could step up and get the job done this year. Plus, Indy still has Quenton Nelson, one of the best guards in football.
The Colts also have a good wide receiver room that’s led by Michael Pittman, Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce. Plus, tight end Tyler Warren, whom the team drafted this year, could immediately emerge as a superstar.
In addition, the Colts still have Jonathan Taylor on the roster. The 2021 rushing champion is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. This offseason, the team signed a solid backup for Taylor in Khalil Herbert and drafted D.J. Giddens out of Kansas State. The duo should provide much-needed depth.
Quarterback is a huge question mark, though. Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will battle for the starting job. Who will win? Look for Richardson to be QB1. Richardson is on a mission to prove he’s the franchise quarterback he was predicted to be. Look for him to have a breakout year, finally, stay healthy, and lead the Colts to the playoffs. If that happens, it will certainly help Shane Steichen win Coach of the Year honors.
Main Image: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images