Philip Rivers and Shane Steichen are friends. The two have worked together for too long and stayed in touch when they weren't working directly with one another to imply anything else. The proof of their friendship could be found in Rivers helping the Indianapolis Colts in 2025 after a call from Steichen.
Did that move ultimately work out? No. Rivers started three games for Indy just when the team was in the midst of a losing streak. The quarterback couldn't save the season, and he never really had a chance to do so. Now, one might wonder if Steichen will have a job with the team this coming offseason.
If a rumor provided by NFL insider Ian Rapoport is true, though, Rivers might have a new job in the NFL soon. Teams are apparently kicking the tires on him becoming a head coach somewhere. That would be a rare trick, as the QB has not yet coached anywhere in the league, but he might also be the rare person who could do well immediately as a head coach.
Philip Rivers could eventually hire Indianapolis Colts' Shane Steichen
He does have some experience coaching, but only in high school football. Still, Rivers played for too long in the NFL not to understand the difference in what an NFL team needs to do to succeed versus a high school team. Moreover, the quarterback was likely a future Pro Football Hall of Famer as much for his ability to outthink his opponents as beat them physically.
How realistic it is that the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback is hired as a head coach remains to be seen, but should that happen, he might be able to eventually hire Shane Steichen as his offensive coordinator.
From @NFLGameDay Morning: #Colts QB Philip Rivers could garner HC interest this cycle; Meanwhile, the #Vikings start JJ McCarthy today, but likely bring in a veteran QB to add to the room next year. pic.twitter.com/D7j5Z4am2D
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2026
That would be quite the twist, but as realistic as the former quarterback being named as a head coach soon. Steichen might very well survive a brutal Indianapolis season in which the team began 7-1 and will likely finish 8-9. Injuries took a toll, but diminishing offensive efficiency was also an issue.
Should Shane Steichen stay as the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts? He will have had a losing record after three seasons, after all, but the answer is yes, he should. Had general manager Chris Ballard given him a deeper roster, Steichen would have probably guided Indy to the playoffs.
Instead, he is at risk of being fired. So is Ballard. Or, at least, he should be. But whenever Steichen's time ends with the Colts, he could have his good friend, Philip Rivers, waiting to offer him a job with some other team.