The Indianapolis Colts went from feel-good story to absolute nightmare in 2025. Shane Steichen's team thrived early in the campaign, with Daniel Jones playing the best football of his career and Jonathan Taylor wreaking havoc out of the backfield.
Then, disaster struck. Jones was already showing signs of regression before two injuries cost him the remainder of the season. The Colts didn't win another game after Week 10 and closed out the year with a seven-game losing streak to finish 4-13 and miss the playoffs.
However, things might not be better in 2026. According to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, the Colts may not improve in the slightest this season. In fact, he believes they will finish the 2026 campaign with the same 8-9 record, which would most likely lead them to part ways with Coach Steichen.
The Indianapolis Colts can't afford to have a losing season in 2026
"The Colts' quarterback situation still raises concerns," Moton wrote. "...Indianapolis may not be able to slow opposing teams down either. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's units have ranked 21st or worse in scoring for three consecutive seasons."
Steichen has been in charge of the team for three years now, coaching them to a 25-26 record (.490). He's won 9, 8, and 8 games, respectively, and has yet to make the playoffs. Another losing campaign will probably cost him his job, and winning just 4 games would be a catastrophe.
Of course, context matters, and he's had to deal with some terrible quarterback situations. If anything, watching 8 and 9 games with a quarterback carousel of Gardner Minshew, Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, and 44-year-old Philip Rivers coming out of retirement is somewhat remarkable.
That said, this is a business first and foremost, and results matter above all. The Colts have knocked on the door of playoff contention for way too long, and it's about time they figure out how to push through. If Steichen can't pull it off after showing that they could be one of the teams to beat in the league last season, he's not likely to get a long leash.
The Colts might be without Jones for the first month of the season, which obviously puts even more pressure on Steichen. The quarterback won't be out there to face the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Washington Commanders (overseas).
If this team doesn't do well in those first four weeks, it wouldn't be shocking to see Steichen return from London as an unemployed and overqualified offensive coach.
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