Shane Steichen was once hailed as the next big thing in NFL coaching. After guiding the Philadelphia Eagles' offense to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2022-23 season, he was plucked by the Indianapolis Colts to be their head coach—a move that mirrored how the Colts had previously hired Frank Reich from the Eagles. Steichen's reputation as an offensive mastermind, especially for his role in developing Jalen Hurts into an MVP candidate, made him one of the hottest names on the market.

But fast forward to the 2026 NFL season, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. The Colts have hovered around mediocrity under Steichen, posting a 25-26 record without a single playoff appearance. That's why Bleacher Report recently slapped him with an "8" on its 10-point hot-seat meter, signaling that the pressure is mounting for Steichen to finally deliver postseason football. It's a tough but fair assessment—NFL organizations eventually lose patience with competitiveness that doesn't translate to January games.

To be fair, Steichen hasn't had the easiest hand to play. Quarterback instability and injuries have plagued the Colts, with Daniel Jones playing some of his best football under Steichen before suffering a ruptured Achilles late last season. That injury derailed Indianapolis' playoff hopes and forced the offense to scramble. Still, in a league where results matter more than potential, Steichen enters the 2026 season firmly on the hot seat. For Colts fans and fantasy owners alike, this is a storyline worth watching as the season unfolds.