Shane Steichen's coaching changes preview Colts' overall defensive intentions

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has made it clear he wants the team's defense to be much better next season. More specifically, he wants the defense to get younger and faster, with a little more fuel. 

It shouldn't come as a surprise if the Colts use the majority of their draft picks toward their defense, as their linebacker group and defensive line are in serious need of upgrades, which the draft will have plenty of options in those position groups for the Colts to choose from.

The NFL draft is for the players, however, and not the coaching staff, of which Shane Steichen has been busy shifting things around recently, most notably his personnel on the defensive side of the ball. Steichen seems to be following Ballard's philosophy of significantly changing up the defense, as he has, too, with three new defensive coaches he just hired. 

Shane Steichen adds three new defensive coaches to his staff, further signalling changes to the Colts' defense

It was announced earlier this month that the Colts made five coaching staff changes. Two of them were Aditya Krishnan (Game management coordinator) and Tyrell Brown (Strength and conditioning assistant). While the other three were hired to coach the defense.

Coincidentally enough, one of Steichen's new hires was brought in to coach the Colts' defensive line — a position group Indy is focused on this offseason.

Marion Hobby, DL

Hobby comes into Indianapolis already familiar with the Colts' defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo. With the Cincinnati Bengals from 2021-2024, Hobby was Anarumo's defensive line coach, so not only is the connection between both coaches a good thing, but it's also an advantage should the Colts pursue Trey Hendrickson this summer. 

Hobby also coached with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints before moving to college, then back to the NFL with Cincinnati. Should there be significant changes to the Colts' D-line this offseason, having Hobby back with Anarumo could be a difference maker.

Dillon Doyle, Defensive quality control

If the name "Doyle" sounds familiar, it's because Dillon's brother, Declan, just became the new offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens. Dillon, on the other hand, is a defensive-minded coach and will begin his second season coaching in the NFL after spending his first season with the Buffalo Bills.

Doyle doesn't have any NFL playing experience, but spent one year (2018-19) with Iowa and two years (2020-22) at Baylor as a linebacker.

Jeremy Bruce, Defensive quality control

Bruce will join Doyle in this position straight from eight years of coaching at the college level. Bruce has worked with more than one defensive position group: linebackers, defensive line, between stops at Kentucky, SMU (Southern Methodist University), Oregon State, Fresno State, Wyoming, Whittier, and most recently, UNLV.

Bruce's resume is entrenched in defensive line and linebacker development. With those two position groups that need the most attention going into next season for the Colts, Bruce is a perfect fit.

With the Colts' emphasis on changing up their defensive personnel on the field this summer to simply be better, fresh voices within the coaching ranks can't harm anything. Hobby is, of course, the more notable hire given his familiarity and experience with Anarumo, but the other voices Steichen has hired all bring years of experience.