Early 2026 NFL head coaching rankings are already sparking debate, and Indianapolis Colts' Shane Steichen is a notable riser. Despite a challenging 2023 season that saw the Colts finish below .500 and miss the playoffs, Steichen's stock is climbing in the eyes of analysts.
In Patrick Daugherty of NBC Sports' recent ranking of the league's 32 head coaches, Steichen landed at No. 15. This marks a significant five-spot jump from his position on the same list last offseason. It's important to note this ranking only includes returning coaches, placing Steichen 15th out of 22 veterans, not accounting for the new hires of the last cycle.
The evaluation of Steichen presents a fascinating "either/or" scenario, as Daugherty framed it. Does he deserve credit for stabilizing a franchise, or blame for its continued mediocrity? The Colts' dramatic 2023 arc fuels this debate. After a stunning 8-2 start that showcased a potent offense, the team collapsed down the stretch with a seven-game losing streak, falling out of playoff contention before the final week.
Steichen's three-year tenure in Indianapolis has been the definition of average: a 25-26 record with zero playoff berths. However, his strengths are undeniable. He has proven to be an excellent offensive game-planner and play-caller. The first ten weeks of last season revealed the full potential of his system, generating one of the league's most productive units when quarterback play was steady. His adaptability, like molding the offense around a late-season addition, has also been impressive.
Ultimately, the NFL is a results-driven business, and Steichen's Colts have failed to deliver over a full 17-game season. Promising stretches have consistently been undone by late-season struggles in critical games. As the 2024 season approaches, the Colts are betting that the explosive success of the first half of 2023 can be sustained. For Steichen, moving up the coaching ranks is one thing; the next step is turning that potential into wins and finally breaking through to the postseason.