As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the pressure is mounting in Indianapolis and most of it is centered squarely on Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Entering his third season at the helm, Steichen finds himself firmly in the “hot seat” according to league insiders, analysts, and fans alike. While the Colts showed flashes of potential during his first two years, consistency and results have remained elusive.
Steichen was brought in ahead of the 2023 season with hopes of revitalizing a franchise that had fallen into mediocrity after the abrupt retirement of Andrew Luck and a carousel of veteran quarterbacks. With a background as a quarterback developer, especially during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Steichen’s hiring was largely praised. The 2023 campaign saw signs of life with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson showing promise before injuries derailed his season. The Colts finished 7–10, showing competitiveness but not playoff-level execution.
In 2024, expectations were higher particularly with Richardson healthy and bolstered by offseason acquisitions. However, a late-season collapse and an 8–9 record kept the Colts out of the playoffs once again. That disappointment has fueled speculation that owner Jim Irsay and GM Chris Ballard may be growing impatient.
“The talent is there. The quarterback is there. Now it’s about wins. Period,” one AFC executive told a national outlet. “Three years is a fair window in today’s NFL.”
Steichen’s supporters argue that development takes time, especially with a young quarterback and a roster still rounding into form. Others point to clock management issues, inconsistent offensive play-calling, and a lack of progress in key areas like red zone efficiency and turnover margin.
With the AFC South becoming more competitive particularly with the rise of the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars the Colts can’t afford to fall behind. If Indianapolis doesn’t make a serious playoff push in 2025, Steichen’s tenure may come toan early end.
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