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Grading the Colts coaching staff for the 2023 season

Now that the 2023 season is over for the Indianapolis Colts, let’s grade Shane Steichen and his coaching staff based on their performances throughout the year.

By Kurt Breidenstein

Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts / Justin Casterline/GettyImages
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Colts offensive staff

Cam Turner-Quarterbacks

Must admit, I was a little skeptical of this hire when it was announced after Steichen was hired. I had my doubts because he was working under Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona and coaching Kyler Murray who was underwhelming pre-ACL injury. But the one thing he knows how to plan is an RPO heavy offense that Arizona ran under Kingsbury. What we saw of Richardson was terrific and Gardner Minshew was able to step in and execute the plan.

Grade: B+

DeAndre Smith-Running Backs Coach

One of the more senior members of the offensive staff had another solid year with a lot of changes and injuries on the unit. Jonathan Taylor didn’t really get going until about mid-season. Zack Moss was injured during training camp. They let go of Deon Jackson after two fumbles in the opening game of the year. They also had a plethora of players in running back room this season such as Jake Funk, Trey Sermon, Evan Hull (went on IR) and Tyler Goodson. Felt like DeAndre Smith always had a great game plan for the rushing attack no matter who was in the backfield although the job is much easier with a back like Taylor on the toting the rock nearly every week.

Grade: A-

Reggie Wayne-Wide Receivers Coach

The most junior member on the staff, as Wayne just concluded his second season as WR coach. He was the lone member of the offensive staff that was held over from Frank Reich’s staff. Overall, thought he had a great season but there are some things we might see change next season. The gameplan was always Michael Pittman Jr. heavy, which is understandable but thought they could mix it around a little more.

Second-year WR Alec Pierce had an underwhelming sophomore season, but Wayne has come out in defense of him. He begged for them to draft Josh Downs in the draft and Downs had a productive rookie season with 68 catches on 98 targets. It’s expected that the Colts will draft another wide receiver in April’s draft and hopefully can build on the foundation Wayne is building.

Grade: B

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