The 2024 season was a disappointment for the Indianapolis Colts, and that could have led some to believe that head coach Shane Steichen would be on the hot seat moving forward. The Colts narrowly missed out on the postseason during Steichen's first year as the head coach, so the hope was that this year, the team would take the next step and get into the playoffs.
That did not happen. Not only did the Colts miss out on the postseason, but Anthony Richardson didn't take the next step in his quarterback development, and the defense regressed mightily. Steichen didn't do a good job running the offense, and the job and moment seemed too big for him this season.
According to Adam Schefter on ESPN NFL Countdown, however, Steichen should be safe on Black Monday, the day after the regular season ends when NFL teams can their head coaches. He started by pointing out how the 2024 season was a disappointment for the Colts, but said even with that being the case, Steichen should return to Indy in 2025.
"The feeling is right now [Steichen is] going to be back in Indianapolis but it does feel like there's gonna be change in that organization."
Shane Steichen likely to return as Colts head coach in 2025
It's not a total shock that the Colts are opting to remain with Steichen for another year. The consensus is typically that, unless a team is really struggling, a head coach gets at least three years to try and do what they were hired to do.
Now, if the Colts get off to a rough start in 2025, it wouldn't be a surprise if Steichen lost his job before the end of next season. The fact of the matter is that Steichen led a high-flying offense when he was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, and that hasn't translated to his new team.
The Colts have been a disappointment, and unless they make the playoffs in 2025, it's unlikely Steichen gets a fourth year as the head coach in Indianapolis.