INDIANAPOLIS — Coach Shane Steichen arrived at the Indianapolis Colts’ facility on Monday feeling the weight of disappointment but with a resolute determination for the future. He is set to return for his third season as head coach, alongside general manager Chris Ballard. However, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will not be continuing with the team, as Steichen announced that he believes it is time for a change in that area.
As Steichen contemplates potential further coaching adjustments, he is acutely aware that a repeat of this past season, where the Colts finished with an 8-9 record, is unacceptable. “We want to put a winning product on the field that our fans can be proud of,” Steichen remarked soon after owner Jim Irsay confirmed both he and Ballard would return. “I can promise you this: I’m going to be relentless in my pursuit to get this thing going in the right direction.”
A central focus for Steichen will be ensuring the continued development of 22-year-old quarterback Anthony Richardson. Despite showing glimpses of talent, such as orchestrating comeback wins against the New York Jets and New England Patriots, Richardson struggled with inconsistency throughout the season. A key play was a crucial fumble by star running back Jonathan Taylor against the Denver Broncos. This fumble turned a probable touchdown into a costly turnover, contributing to a 31-13 defeat that extended the Colts’ current playoff drought to four years.
The Colts faced narrow losses, including two games against the Houston Texans decided by just five points, and a significant defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In one of the more embarrassing moments of the season, the team allowed the New York Giants — who had the lowest scoring record in the league — to score 45 points in a critical Week 17 loss. Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner expressed concern about the defense’s performance, stating, “Since I’ve been a Colt, it was our worst year defensively. At times, it felt like we were just a collection of individuals instead of a cohesive unit.”
Following the loss to the Giants, accountability and player discipline came into question, with reports surfacing about players being late to meetings and rehab sessions. While Steichen acknowledged that late arrivals can occur in any team, the situation raised alarm bells regarding the culture within the organization. Jim Irsay’s decision to retain Steichen and Ballard in 2025 comes with the understanding that improvement is essential; without it, their jobs could be at risk as early as 2026. “We’re going to have those tough conversations moving forward,” Steichen remarked regarding changes that must occur.
Richardson’s growth remains crucial for the future of the Colts. He displayed moments of brilliance throughout the season, particularly when teamed with a revitalized Taylor, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod since 2021. However, Richardson missed six games due to various injuries and personal decisions, and his completion percentage of 47.7% was the lowest among starting quarterbacks in the league. Steichen is aware that increased consistency from Richardson is vital for any meaningful advancement. “He made strides… Did the first two years go the way we wanted? No, but it’s a learning experience,” he acknowledged.
Two vocal figures on the defense, Buckner and linebacker Zaire Franklin, understand their roles in fostering positive change within the team. Franklin recently expressed regret for comments made on a podcast and has committed to reflecting on his actions this offseason. Meanwhile, Buckner intends to leverage his influence to attract potential free agents, emphasizing the need for “uncomfortable conversations” to foster accountability and improvement.
Injury updates were also a topic of conversation on Monday, as wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was set to undergo scans for a back injury sustained during training camp, and starting safety Julian Blackmon disclosed having played through a torn labrum during the season. This offseason holds significance for the Colts as they navigate challenges that could reshape their future.
