Shane Steichen
Shane Steichen (born May 11, 1985) is an American football coach who has served as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) since February 14, 2023. A former college quarterback at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Steichen began his coaching career as a student assistant at UNLV in 2007 before entering the NFL in 2011, where he has held various roles focused on offensive development and quarterback coaching. Known for his expertise in nurturing young quarterbacks, he has worked with notable players including Philip Rivers, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts, contributing to multiple Pro Bowl selections, rookie records, and a Super Bowl appearance. Steichen grew up in Sacramento, California, and played quarterback at UNLV from 2003 to 2006, accumulating 2,755 passing yards and 22 touchdowns during his collegiate career. After graduation, he transitioned directly into coaching, serving as a student assistant at UNLV in 2007 and then as an offensive graduate assistant from 2008 to 2009. In 2010, he joined the University of Louisville as an offensive assistant, gaining further experience in college football schemes before making the leap to the professional level. Steichen's NFL journey began with the San Diego Chargers in 2011 as a defensive assistant, a role he held through 2012, after which he shifted to offensive quality control with the Cleveland Browns in 2013. Returning to the Chargers (now in Los Angeles) in 2014, he continued in offensive quality control until 2015 before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2016, a position he maintained through 2019—during which he served as interim offensive coordinator in the latter half of the 2019 season. In this capacity, Steichen coached Philip Rivers to three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2016 to 2018 and helped develop a balanced offense that featured four receivers with over 50 catches in 2014.[1] Elevated to full offensive coordinator for the Chargers in 2020, he oversaw Justin Herbert's record-setting rookie season, including 396 completions and 31 touchdown passes, with relatively low turnovers for a rookie.[2] In 2021, Steichen joined the Philadelphia Eagles as offensive coordinator under head coach Nick Sirianni, where he built the league's top rushing attack that year and guided Jalen Hurts to 3,848 total offensive yards.[3] The following season, in 2022, his Eagles offense ranked third in NFL scoring, featured two 1,000-yard receivers (A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith) and a 1,200-yard rusher (Miles Sanders), and propelled the team to a 14-3 record and a berth in Super Bowl LVII. His reputation for quarterback development and offensive innovation led to his hiring by the Colts on a six-year contract, succeeding Frank Reich amid the team's need for stability post-Andrew Luck.[4] As head coach, Steichen has emphasized player development and defensive takeaways, with the Colts posting a 9-8 record in 2023 and an 8-9 mark in 2024 (ranking eighth in rushing yards with 2,331 total and top-10 in yards per game at 137.1). Under his leadership, quarterback Anthony Richardson set franchise records for rushing yards (499) and rushing touchdowns (6) in 2024, while three players—Zaire Franklin, Quenton Nelson, and Jonathan Taylor—earned Pro Bowl honors that year.[5] As of November 2025, the Colts hold an 8-2 record following a Week 10 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, ranking ninth in takeaways league-wide at 1.4 per game.[6][7]Early life and playing career
Early life and education
Shane Steichen was born on May 11, 1985, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in a family passionate about football, with his older brother Sean serving as a punter on a scholarship at Boise State University, which inspired Steichen's early immersion in the sport through backyard games and film study. Sean's path as a college athlete helped shape Steichen's drive and work ethic from a young age. Steichen attended Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California, where he excelled as the starting quarterback. During his senior year in 2002, under the guidance of head coach Chris Jones, he threw for 34 touchdowns and led the Trojans to a 12-1 record, culminating in the Sac-Joaquin Section championship—a key playoff achievement that highlighted his leadership on the field. Jones, who was instrumental in developing Steichen's understanding of the game, fostered his passion for football by emphasizing fundamentals and strategic preparation, influencing his future coaching philosophy. Following high school, Steichen enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), continuing his football journey as a quarterback. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and media studies from the university while transitioning toward coaching roles.College playing career
Steichen was recruited as a two-star pro-style quarterback prospect out of Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California, and committed to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to play for the Rebels.[8][9] During his four-year tenure from 2003 to 2006, Steichen lettered as a quarterback for the UNLV Rebels, beginning as a backup in his freshman season before earning the starting role by 2004.[10][11] Under head coaches John Robinson (2003–2004) and Mike Sanford (2005–2006), the Rebels compiled a combined record of 12–34 overall and 5–25 in Mountain West Conference play across those seasons, with no bowl game appearances.[12] As the starter, Steichen operated primarily in a pro-style offense, contributing to the team's ground-and-pound schemes while showcasing his dual-threat ability, particularly in 2005 when he became the first UNLV player to record 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in a single game during a win over Idaho.[10] Over his college career, Steichen completed 244 of 465 passes for 2,755 yards and 22 touchdowns, while adding 399 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 127 carries.[11] One of his standout performances came in 2006 against New Mexico, where he threw a career-high five touchdown passes, tying the UNLV single-game record despite the Rebels' 39–36 overtime loss.[13] Steichen earned no major post-season individual accolades during his time at UNLV, though his 2,755 passing yards ranked him 11th in program history at the end of his career.[10] Following graduation with a degree in journalism and media studies, he chose not to pursue a professional playing career or enter the NFL Draft.[14][11]Assistant coaching career
Early coaching positions (2007–2010)
Steichen began his coaching career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he had recently completed his playing tenure as a quarterback. In 2007, he served as a student assistant, supporting the football program's operations and gaining initial exposure to coaching responsibilities.[10][15] Promoted the following year, Steichen worked as an offensive graduate assistant at UNLV from 2008 to 2009, focusing on offensive drills and contributing to quarterback development under head coach Mike Sanford. In this role, he helped refine player techniques and supported the implementation of offensive strategies, building his understanding of scheme design and player coaching.[16][17][18] In 2010, Steichen transitioned to his first full-time position as an offensive assistant at the University of Louisville, where he worked under offensive coordinator Mike Sanford and head coach Charlie Strong. There, he provided support in play-calling, game planning, and offensive execution, aiding a team that finished 7-6 and appeared in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl.[19][20][21] These early roles allowed Steichen to establish a foundational coaching philosophy centered on quarterback mechanics, offensive innovation, and player development, drawing from his quarterback background. Motivated by a desire to advance to professional football, he used this experience to pursue NFL opportunities, leveraging connections from his college networks.[19][22]San Diego Chargers (2011–2012)
Steichen entered the NFL in 2011, hired by head coach Norv Turner as a defensive assistant for the San Diego Chargers.[23] This opportunity came after his one season as a full-time offensive assistant at the University of Louisville in 2010.[9] Despite his prior experience solely on the offensive side of the ball, Steichen accepted the defensive position, recognizing the rarity of entry-level NFL coaching roles.[24] In his role under defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, Steichen focused on film breakdown and opponent scouting, which provided him with critical insights into defensive strategies, such as how units cover offensive routes, match personnel, and exploit weaknesses.[24][25] These responsibilities allowed him to contribute to game planning, particularly against AFC West rivals like the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, while learning the operational demands of professional football.[24] Steichen later described this detour into defensive work as invaluable, enhancing his overall understanding of the game and preparing him for future offensive roles.[24] Steichen continued in the same capacity for the 2012 season, supporting the defensive staff during a campaign that ended with a 7-9 record and no playoff berth.[26] Following the season, he departed the organization amid significant staff changes, as Turner was fired on December 31, 2012, along with general manager A.J. Smith.[27]Cleveland Browns (2013)
In 2013, Shane Steichen joined the Cleveland Browns as an offensive quality control coach under first-year head coach Rob Chudzinski.[9][28] This role marked Steichen's transition to the offensive side of the ball, following two seasons as a defensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers.[19] He reunited with Norv Turner, who served as the Browns' offensive coordinator after previously being the Chargers' head coach, allowing Steichen to contribute to a familiar professional offensive scheme.[19][29] Steichen's responsibilities included assisting the quarterbacks through script preparation, opponent film breakdown, and in-game analysis from the coaching booth.[9][30] He focused on evaluating and supporting the team's primary passers, Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell, and Brian Hoyer, amid a season plagued by injuries at the position.[9][31] Despite these challenges, the Browns' quarterbacks combined for 4,040 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, providing Steichen with hands-on exposure to quarterback development in a high-pressure NFL environment.[9][32] During the Browns' 4–12 campaign, which placed them fourth in the AFC North, Steichen gained valuable insights into divisional rivalries and the nuances of Turner's West Coast offense adapted to Cleveland's roster.[32] His work emphasized conceptual preparation over direct play-calling, honing his understanding of offensive strategies against tough AFC North defenses.[30] Following the season, Chudzinski was fired after one year, leading to a complete coaching staff overhaul under new head coach Mike Pettine, and Steichen's contract was not renewed.[33][32]Los Angeles Chargers (2014–2020)
Steichen rejoined the Chargers in 2014 as an offensive quality control coach, where he analyzed opponent tendencies and supported head coach Mike McCoy's staff by breaking down film and preparing game plans, primarily working with the wide receivers.[9] In this role through 2015, he contributed to foundational offensive preparations during a period when the team posted a 9-7 record in 2014 but struggled to a 4-12 finish the following year. Promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2016, Steichen spent the next four seasons developing veteran Philip Rivers, guiding him to three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2016 to 2018.[23] This tenure coincided with the franchise's relocation from San Diego to Los Angeles ahead of the 2017 season, during which the Chargers rebounded to a 9-7 record and earned a wild-card playoff berth in 2018 after a franchise-best 12-4 campaign. Steichen's work emphasized precise passing mechanics and decision-making, helping Rivers maintain high completion percentages while integrating a balanced run-pass attack that supported the team's postseason push.[34] On October 30, 2019, following the midseason firing of offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, Steichen was elevated to interim offensive coordinator for the final eight games, calling plays that improved the unit's efficiency despite a 5-11 overall finish.[9][35] In 2020, he assumed the role full-time, installing rookie Justin Herbert as the starting quarterback after an early-season injury to Tyrod Taylor and leading an offense that averaged 24.0 points per game while ranking ninth in total yards (368.5 per game) and sixth in passing yards (272.1 per game).[36][9] Under Steichen's schemes, which prioritized quick-rhythm passes and play-action bootlegs to exploit defensive alignments, Herbert set NFL rookie records with 396 completions and 31 touchdown passes, and the Chargers ranked fourth in the league with just 13 turnovers en route to a 7-9 record.[23][34]Philadelphia Eagles (2021–2022)
In 2021, Shane Steichen was hired as the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator under new head coach Nick Sirianni, joining a staff tasked with revitalizing the offense around second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts.[37] Steichen took over play-calling duties midseason, helping guide the team to a 9-8 record and a wild-card playoff berth despite early struggles.[38] During the 2021 season, Steichen orchestrated the NFL's top rushing offense, averaging 159.7 yards per game and totaling 2,715 rushing yards—a franchise record—through a balanced scheme that integrated a dominant ground attack with play-action passes to exploit defensive alignments.[39] This approach featured heavy usage of multiple tight end sets and designed runs for Hurts, who rushed for 784 yards and 10 touchdowns, contributing to the Eagles ranking 12th in points scored at 26.1 per game.[40] In 2022, Steichen continued Hurts' development, emphasizing his dual-threat ability in a scheme that propelled the Eagles to a 14-3 regular-season record, the NFC's top seed, and an appearance in Super Bowl LVII, where they fell 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs. The offense ranked third in the NFL in scoring (28.1 points per game) and third in total yards (386.1 per game), showcasing improved efficiency with Hurts completing 66.5% of his passes for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.[41] Steichen's scheme highlighted mobile quarterback runs, with Hurts adding 760 rushing yards and 15 scores, alongside frequent screen passes to create short-yardage opportunities and strong red-zone execution that converted 65.2% of trips into touchdowns—third-best in the league.[42] He collaborated closely with Sirianni on game planning, fostering a unit that maximized personnel like running back Miles Sanders (1,269 rushing yards) and tight end Dallas Goedert.[43] Under Steichen, Hurts earned his first Pro Bowl selection following the 2022 season, recognizing his growth into a top-tier quarterback, while the offense's success also highlighted contributions from Pro Bowler Jason Kelce at center.[44]Head coaching career
Hiring and Indianapolis Colts overview
On February 14, 2023, Shane Steichen was hired as the 24th head coach in Indianapolis Colts franchise history, signing a six-year contract following an extensive search that included interviews with several prominent candidates.[4][45] Steichen, who had served as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where his unit ranked among the league's most efficient during the 2022 season, transitioned to Indianapolis to succeed Frank Reich.[46] In assembling his initial staff, Steichen prioritized familiarity and expertise, hiring Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator—someone he had previously collaborated with earlier in his career—and retaining Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator to maintain continuity on that side of the ball.[47][48] Steichen's coaching philosophy centers on a balanced offensive scheme that emphasizes quarterback development, a strong run game, and scheme adaptability to maximize player strengths, encapsulated in his motto of "throw to score, run to win."[49][50] This approach is underpinned by four core pillars—character, preparation, consistency, and relentlessness—which guide team culture and daily operations.[51] His tenure has involved significant roster adjustments, most notably the selection of quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, signaling a long-term investment in young talent at the position.[52][53] Through the end of the 2024 season, Steichen's Colts compiled a 17-17 regular-season record, reflecting steady progress amid challenges, with the team reaching a 25-19 mark by mid-November 2025.[54] Key themes of his leadership include fostering a positive team culture and prioritizing player development, particularly through multiple quarterback transitions—from Richardson's early starts to Gardner Minshew's interim role and the acquisition of Daniel Jones as the 2025 starter—which have tested and refined the offense's versatility.[6][55]2023 season
Steichen's first season as head coach saw the Indianapolis Colts compile a 9–8 regular season record, finishing second in the AFC South division but falling short of the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The team showed marked improvement from their 4–12–1 mark in 2022, particularly on offense, where Steichen implemented a balanced scheme emphasizing a strong ground game and play-action passes. Despite early promise, the Colts endured a late-season skid, dropping three of their final four games after reaching 8–6, which eliminated them from postseason contention following a 23–19 defeat to the Houston Texans in Week 18.[56][57] A focal point was the development of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, who started the first four games under Steichen's guidance. Richardson displayed his elite arm talent and mobility, completing 43 of 74 passes for 577 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding 136 rushing yards and two scores. However, his season was cut short by a season-ending AC joint injury to his throwing shoulder sustained in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, limiting him to just four starts and highlighting ongoing concerns about his durability.[58][59] Veteran backup Gardner Minshew stepped in seamlessly, starting 13 games and posting a 7–6 record, with 3,305 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, providing stability and helping the offense maintain rhythm through the transition.[60] Offensively, Steichen's unit made significant strides, averaging 23.3 points per game—a jump of over six points from 2022—and ranking 10th in the NFL in scoring. The rushing attack proved particularly effective, finishing eighth league-wide at 134.8 yards per game, driven by a committee of Jonathan Taylor (741 yards) and Zack Moss (794 yards), which complemented Steichen's scheme and reduced pressure on the quarterbacks. Defensively, coordinator Gus Bradley's group allowed 24.4 points per game (21st in the NFL) and struggled against the run at times, but delivered key stops in victories like the 31–20 win over the Texans in Week 3, where they limited Houston to 66 rushing yards.[56][61] The season was not without challenges, as injuries plagued the roster beyond Richardson, including absences among key linemen and skill players that disrupted continuity. A midseason surge gave way to a frustrating collapse, with turnovers and conservative late-game decisions contributing to losses against the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Texans, ultimately costing the team a wild-card spot. Steichen's aggressive fourth-down calls—successful in 10 of 13 attempts—drew mixed reviews but underscored his commitment to bold strategy amid the adversity.[56]2024 season
The 2024 season for the Indianapolis Colts under head coach Shane Steichen was marked by quarterback instability and defensive shortcomings, resulting in an 8–9 record that placed the team second in the AFC South and out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Despite building on the offensive improvements from 2023, the Colts struggled with consistency, particularly in passing, as injuries and performance issues sidelined starting quarterback Anthony Richardson after eight starts. Veteran Joe Flacco took over as the primary starter from Week 9 onward, providing some stability but unable to elevate the team to postseason contention.[62][63] Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, appeared in 10 games but was limited by multiple injuries, including an oblique strain that caused him to miss two games and additional issues with his back and foot. He completed 104 of 235 passes for 1,220 yards, four touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while adding 499 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat potential but highlighting ongoing accuracy concerns with a 44.3% completion rate. Flacco, signed as a backup, started seven games and went 3–4 in those outings, completing 162 of 248 passes for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, with a 90.5 passer rating that offered a more reliable but less dynamic option. The quarterback carousel contributed to passing inconsistencies, as the Colts ranked 20th in passing yards per game at 197.5.[64][62] Offensively, the Colts maintained a strong ground game for the second straight season, ranking eighth in rushing yards per game at 137.1, led by Jonathan Taylor's 1,347 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, the unit scored just 22.2 points per game (17th in the NFL), hampered by turnovers and the passing woes. Defensively, the team regressed, allowing 25.1 points per game (24th), a decline from the previous year's performance, with lapses in coverage and run defense proving costly against stronger opponents.[65][62] Key victories included divisional wins over the Tennessee Titans (Week 16, a 45–14 rout highlighted by a franchise-record 335 rushing yards) and the Houston Texans (Week 18, securing second place in the division), but the Colts dropped crucial games to top AFC contenders, such as a 31–13 blowout loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 15 that eliminated their playoff hopes. Other setbacks included losses to the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, underscoring struggles against elite defenses. Despite fan criticism over the team's middling results and perceived lack of progress with Richardson's development, owner Jim Irsay announced Steichen's retention on January 6, 2025, citing his role in fostering team culture amid adversity.2025 season
The 2025 Indianapolis Colts, under head coach Shane Steichen, have enjoyed a resurgent season through 10 games, holding an 8–2 record as of November 17 and claiming first place in the AFC South. This marks the team's best start since their 14–0 beginning in 2009, the year they advanced to the Super Bowl, bolstered by an overtime 31–25 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin on November 9.[6][66][67] The Colts' success has been driven by a high-powered offense that leads the NFL in scoring at 32.1 points per game, amassing 321 total points, while their defense has allowed an average of 20.6 points per contest. Building briefly on the rushing emphasis from prior seasons, Steichen's scheme has elevated the ground game to among the league's best, with 1,453 rushing yards ranking third overall.[68] A pivotal factor in the Colts' offensive dominance has been the addition of quarterback Daniel Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million contract in free agency on March 13, 2025, stepping in as the starter after Anthony Richardson's injury concerns. Jones has orchestrated an attack that has scored 30 or more points in eight of 10 games, leveraging precise passing and play-action to support a robust rushing attack led by Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has been a standout, continuing his strong start with 697 yards and 11 touchdowns through the first seven games—including three scores in a 38–20 divisional win over the Los Angeles Chargers on October 19—and adding 17 total touchdowns through 10 games, highlighted by a three-touchdown, 244-yard rushing performance in the Week 10 win over the Falcons. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has complemented the run game with consistent production, hauling in key receptions like a toe-tap snag for 15 yards in the November 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and contributing to victories such as the 38–14 blowout of the Tennessee Titans on October 26, where he scored on a deflection catch. The Colts secured divisional wins over the Titans and Chargers, going 2–0 in AFC South play before a 27–20 setback to the Steelers that temporarily dropped them to 7–2 after starting 7–1, followed by the Week 10 triumph.[69][70][71][72][73] With a potent offense ranking first in total touchdowns (38) and the defense holding opponents to under 21 points per game, the Colts are firmly positioned as playoff contenders, holding the No. 2 seed in the AFC and a three-game lead in the division over the 5–4 Jacksonville Jaguars. Mid-season adjustments have focused on fortifying the secondary, highlighted by the November 4 trade deadline acquisition of elite cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets in exchange for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, signaling long-term commitment to the current core including Jones and Steichen. This move aims to address occasional vulnerabilities exposed in losses, such as the six turnovers against Pittsburgh, while maintaining the team's explosive identity heading into the latter half of the schedule.[74][55][75]Coaching record and recognition
Head coaching record
Steichen has served as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts since the 2023 season.[54]Regular Season Record
| Year | Team | Games | Wins | Losses | Ties | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Indianapolis Colts | 17 | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 |
| 2024 | Indianapolis Colts | 17 | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 |
| 2025 | Indianapolis Colts | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | .800 |
| Total | 44 | 25 | 19 | 0 | .581 |