The Indianapolis Colts named and later introduced Shane Steichen as their new head coach on Tuesday.
The former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator emerged from an exhaustive five-week search that included more than a dozen candidates. In the end, it was Steichen’s “offensive magic” that landed him the job.
It also continues a meteoric ascent for Steichen, 37, who rose from a quality control coach in 2015 to becoming one of 32 head coaches in the NFL.
After emotional opening comments, during which he thanked everyone from his high school football coach to every member of the Eagles’ offense this past season, Steichen laid out what his offensive philosophy will be.
And that starts, he confirmed, by being the offensive play caller.
“I go with my gut feeling on a lot of things,” Steichen said. “I’m a gut-feeling guy. My philosophy is we’re going to throw to score points and run to win. That could look different each week.”
Steichen takes over for interim coach Jeff Saturday, who went 1-7 after replacing the fired Frank Reich. The other finalists reportedly included Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Green Bay Packers special teams coach Rich Bisaccia and Saturday.
“First, I just want to say to the Colts organization and Colts Nation how much I appreciate the opportunity,” Saturday said in a video posted to Twitter on Tuesday. “I’m so grateful for the last eight weeks of the season and the opportunity to represent you guys. I appreciate the coaches for all your time, energy and effort.”
Colts owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard spoke before introducing Steichen, including a lengthy 6 1/2-minute preamble by Irsay.
Ballard was asked about the prolonged process to land on Steichen, admitting he heard the noise but ignored it.
“I never understand what the hurry is,” Ballard said. “It’s about getting it right. … I don’t react to the noise, if that makes sense. Whatever pressure was felt externally we did not feel internally.”
Irsay was asked how they knew Steichen was the right guy.
“What we learned in the end was that Shane had a lot of that offensive magic, which is hard to find in this league,” Irsay said. “He had to show the leadership, he had to show the presence. And boy did he come through with that in his interview.”
Steichen’s Eagles lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Super Bowl LVII. His Jalen Hurts-led offense put up 417 total yards in the contest.
The Philadelphia offense ranked No. 3 in both total offense and scoring offense during the regular season.
The Colts finished 4-12-1 and the Indianapolis offense ranked 27th in scoring offense and 30th in total offense.
Steichen joined the Eagles in 2021. He previously held a variety of coaching roles with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and was offensive coordinator for one season (2020).
–Field Level Media
