Tag: Shane Steichen

Shane Steichen, Reggie Wayne attend Texas pro day

Some important Colts’ figures attended the Texas pro day.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen and wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne were in attendance at the NFL pro day for Texas ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.

While the Colts will have several scouts attending pro days and workouts leading up to April’s big event, it’s noteworthy when a head coach makes a trip.

It’s also notable that Wayne is in attendance considering the Longhorns have two fringe Round 1 receiver prospects in Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell.

While the wide receiver prospects will certainly garner the most attention for the Colts, there are several other prospects the team likely had an eye on during the pro day.

Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is considered one of the top prospects at the position and likely a Day 2 pick. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy is expected to go in the first round while fellow defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is a projected Day 2 selection.

Safety Ryan Watts also could be on Chris Ballard’s radar considering his elite RAS (9.84).

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Colts HC provides update on Anthony Richardson’s rehab

Anthony Richardson is ‘making great progress’

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery that claimed the majority of his rookie season, and the updates seem all positive.

After missing the typical press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine due to an illness, head coach Shane Steichen met with the media Tuesday in order to make up for the absence.

Without going into great detail, as expected, Steichen offered some positive news on Richardson’s rehab program.

“He’s been doing a little bit of both. He’s been here (Indy), he’s been in Florida doing his rehab. But he’s making great progress. You guys have seen obviously through social media, he’s throwing,” Steichen said. “I’m not going to put a timetable on his return, but he’s in great spirits, feeling good. Obviously, going through stuff but he’s making really, really good progress.”

Whether Richardson will be ready for the start of the spring workouts in April remains to be seen. Steichen offered some hope that could be the case during the 2023 regular season, but a lot of time has passed since then.

The No. 4 overall pick from last year’s draft showed immense promise both as a passer and a runner despite the small sample size. He’s far from a finished product, but the fact that he didn’t look overwhelmed in the slightest is extremely encouraging.

The likelihood of having a strong supporting cast around him increased this week as well. The Colts used the franchise tag on top wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. with the expectation of signing a long-term deal.

“When you have a reliable player like Pitt (Michael Pittman Jr.) that is going to show up every Sunday and make plays like he does, it definitely helps a young quarterback,” said SteichenTo keep getting that chemistry with those two guys, building, will be huge for Anthony’s (Richardson) growth.”

The Colts won’t begin spring workouts until the middle of April, and the on-field work doesn’t come until after the 2024 NFL draft.

But it all seems positive for Richardson as he continues his rehab work ahead of a crucial second season.

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NFL combine pressers for Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen set

The GM and HC will meet with the media at the NFL combine.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will meet with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

An annual tradition of NFL general managers and head coaches meeting with the media, there isn’t a major expectation that any big reveals will come for the Colts. Still, it’s the first time these two have met with the media since the end of the season.

While the last combine pressers for Ballard and Steichen revolved solely around the quarterback position, it will take a much different direction this time around. Anthony Richardson has begun throwing again so the focus will be on his support.

Nothing major is ever revealed during the combine pressers, but there are little nuggets we can take from the interviews while breaking down every word they say in hopes of finding a piece of information about the team’s offseason plans.

The NFL combine drills begin Thursday, Feb. 29, with the defensive linemen and linebackers. It was announced earlier this offseason that the combine will stay in Indy through the 2025 offseason.

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Biggest surprises from Colts’ 2023 season

The biggest surprises from the Colts’ 2023 season.

The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for a vital offseason that can help further the development of a young roster, but there were plenty of surprises that hit the organization in 2023.

From the turnaround of the offensive line under Tony Sparano to the release of Shaquille Leonard, here are the biggest surprises from the 2023 season for the Colts.

Colts are middle of the pack in ESPN’s way-too-early 2024 power rankings

A middling ranking for the Colts by ESPN.

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2024 offseason looking to build off an impressive campaign after narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in the first year under head coach Shane Steichen.

There is a lot more optimism about the direction of the franchise compared to this time last year as it’s clear they have a strong leader at the front of the line. Though some questions remain, the outlook of the team is more positive than not.

In ESPN’s way-too-early 2024 power rankings, the Colts find themselves right in the middle of the pack.

15. Indianapolis Colts

2023 record: 9-8

Offseason in three words: Down to business

The Colts showed they have the ability to compete for a division title now, and not later, with a surprising nine-win season. So with the expected return of Anthony Richardson at quarterback, and with a roster that fell just one win shy of the AFC South crown, it’s time for the Colts to bolster their weaknesses with the goal of taking the next step. This is also not the time to take chances with their key free agents, like WR Michael Pittman Jr ., CB Kenny Moore II and NT Grover Stewart — each of whom is vital to their future success. — Stephen Holder

It will be interesting to see what the offseason has in store for the Colts. Re-signing some key free agents will be the top priority before the new league year arrives, and then there is the matter of the 2024 NFL draft.

The encouraging aspect of this offseason is the fact that we don’t have to spend most of the time discussing who the quarterback will be. Of course, Anthony Richardson is still working his way back from season-ending shoulder surgery, but we know he’s the man once all systems are going.

Considering how competitive they were without the upside that Richardson brings, it’s certainly possible the Colts outperform this ranking by the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, around the division, the Houston Texans (No. 9) led the way followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 14) and Tennessee Titans (No. 26).

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Colts’ Shane Steichen received third-place votes for COY

Shane Steichen received some third-place votes for Coach of the Year.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen wasn’t among the finalists for the 2024 AP Coach of the Year award, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t recognized for his efforts.

Even though the Colts fell short of the playoffs in a nail-biting defeat against the Houston Texans in Week 18, the fact that they were even in a situation to enter the playoffs during the finale is a testament to how quickly Steichen won over the locker room.

The award eventually went to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who won a tiebreaker with Houston Texans head coach Ryan DeMeco because he had more first-place votes.

As for Steichen, he received four third-place votes despite not being on the list of finalists.

It won’t be a surprise if Steichen is much higher on this list next season. The potential of getting a full season out of Anthony Richardson could easily put the Colts in the conversation for a playoff spot.

Steichen proved he can handle the extreme ups and downs of an NFL season, and he should only continue to grow with a full season now under his belt.

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Colts to hire Alex Tanney as pass game coordinator

The Colts made a new addition to the offensive staff.

The Indianapolis Colts are expected to hire former Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Alex Tanney as the pass-game coordinator under head coach Shane Steichen.

Tanney and Steichen both coached with the Eagles for two seasons (2021-2022), and this marks the first time the Colts have had a pass-game coordinator since the 2020 season.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday night.

Tanney entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012 with the Kansas City Chiefs and bounced around the league on offseason and practice squad rosters through the 2020 season. He appeared in only two games during his playing career, amassing 15 pass attempts.

Tanney immediately began coaching with the Eagles as an offensive quality control coach under Nick Sirianni in 2021. He was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach and offensive assistant in 2022 and was the quarterbacks coach for the Eagles in 2023.

As the Eagles rehaul the offensive staff following the firing of offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Tanney requested and was granted permission in January to pursue other jobs around the league.

The offensive staff for the Colts remains intact after Steichen’s first season, but the addition of a pass-game coordinator could help further the development of young quarterback Anthony Richardson.

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Colts’ Gardner Minshew on upcoming free agency: ‘Ain’t no tellin’, man’

Gardner Minshew gave his thoughts on upcoming free agency.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew brought plenty of vibes to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando this week during his first appearance at the NFL’s all-star festivities.

Minshew, who joined the Colts during the 2023 offseason via free agency, is once again preparing to hit the market. It’s a slightly different perspective this time around, though, considering Minshew started a career-high 13 games this season after Anthony Richardson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in October.

When asked by NFL.com at the Pro Bowl this week about his future in free agency, Minshew answered the only way he knew how.

“Ain’t no tellin’, man, ain’t no tellin’,” Minshew said. “That’s something they gotta tell me, that free agency stuff.”

Minshew followed Shane Steichen to Indy after spending two seasons working with the latter when he was the offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 2023 season marked his third consecutive campaign working in Steichen’s offense.

Amid some ups and downs from Minshew, he was a large reason why the Colts were able to finish with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth in Steichen’s first season as head coach.

“So comfortable with Shane,” Minshew said. “The open communication the whole time, just really loved Shane and playing for him.”

Bringing Minshew back would be a fine choice for the Colts. He’s loved in the locker room, he understands the offense extremely well, and he has a strong relationship with the rest of the quarterback room.

As in most cases, it will come down to money. The Colts are unlikely to pay Minshew starter money considering they already have one, but Minshew may be seeking that kind of deal after getting another taste of that role.

Regardless of what happens, Minshew looks back on his first season with the Colts fondly.

“Just super grateful, man. Had a lot of good people around me this year,” Minshew said. “Loved it, man. Just super proud of the season we had, the work we put in and, man, just loved the guys we had and wish it would’ve never ended.”

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Colts’ Shane Steichen snubbed for Coach of the Year nomination

Shane Steichen was not nominated for Coach of the Year.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen won’t have the chance to take home some hardware despite the impressive campaign he led in 2023.

With the announcement of the finalists for the year-end awards, Steichen was not among the candidates for the Coach of the Year award. This was despite losing his starting quarterback and nearly making the playoffs right up until the end of the regular season.

Instead, here are the finalists for the Coach of the Year award:

  • Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
  • John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
  • DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
  • Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
  • Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns

No one should argue this isn’t a list of some of the best coaches in the NFL. What Dan Campbell has done in Detroit is inspirational. Meanwhile, DeMeco Ryans completely changed the perception of the Houston Texans, and Kevin Stefanski led his team to the playoffs with Joe Flacco at quarterback.

Steichen was never going to win the award after losing the Week 18 game against the Texans. But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be nominated.

Kyle Shanahan and John Harbaugh proved to be the best coaches in their respective conferences. But the expectations were much higher for them. Both the 49ers and the Ravens were expected to be good teams.

Most analysts (including us), thought it would be a long shot for the Colts to even be in the running for a playoff spot before the season started. But Steichen changed the entire culture of the organization in just one offseason.

He turned a team that was the laughingstock of the league in 2022 into a squad that competed—even defeated—some of the best teams in the NFL in 2023.

That list of five coaches is incredibly tough to beat, and each has a strong argument for winning the award.

Don’t be surprised to Steichen’s name on this list next year if the Colts continue moving in the direction they’re headed.

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5 reasons the Colts missed the playoffs

Here are five reasons the Colts missed the playoffs in 2023.

Playoffs weren’t even a thought for those outside of the Indianapolis Colts organization heading into the 2023 season.

But thanks to Shane Steichen’s coaching, the team had a chance to crack into the postseason late in the campaign. However, they came up short in their Week 18 matchup against the Houston Texans.

The reasons why they missed a chance for a Super Bowl run aren’t as negative as it was for this franchise a year ago, but there are still factors on why they found themselves on the outside looking in.

Resolving these issues will be key for the Colts moving forward if they want to compete starting in 2024.

Here are five reasons why the Colts missed the playoffs in 2023: