Shane Steichen Has The Potential To Become The Greatest Coach In Indianapolis Colts (Indy-Era) History Not Named Tony Dungy.
The Indianapolis Colts’ head coach, Shane Steichen, is only in his second season of coaching. Still, it’s too soon to declare him an Indianapolis legend. However, if he stays, he might become Indianapolis’ best coach who isn’t Tony Dungy.
The best coach in Colts history is Weeb Ewbank. In 1958 and 1959, the Hall of Famer guided the Baltimore Colts to back-to-back NFL titles. 1968 saw Don Shula win an NFL championship. In addition, Super Bowl V saw a triumph for Don McCafferty.
But the Baltimore era isn’t the topic of this piece. Our attention is on the Indianapolis period, which started in 1984.
Can Shane Steichen Become the Greatest Colts Coach Not Named Tony Dungy?
Dungy is Indy’s G.O.A.T.
In 2002, Dungy was appointed head coach of Indianapolis. The native of Jackson, Michigan, played for the team for seven seasons. Every season, the Colts made it to the postseason. Dungy’s record was 85-27 during the regular season and 7-6 in the postseason. He made NFL history by being the first coach to have at least 12 wins in six straight seasons.
Additionally, Dungy won a Super Bowl, making history as the first African-American head coach. In Super Bowl XLI, his Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29–17.
Without a doubt, Dungy is the best Indianapolis-era coach in Colts history. Being the only head coach to win a ring after the team moved to Indianapolis, he holds the record for most victories in franchise history.
A few more coaches from the Indianapolis era have made it big. Despite losing to the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl, Jim Caldwell, Dungy’s retirement replacement, led the Colts to the championship game. The club advanced to the AFC Championship Game thanks to Ted Marchibroda and Chuck Pagano.
But Dungy is the best of the best. In 2016, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Steichen Has a Bright Future
As head coach, Shane Steichen has only been in the position for one season. He still has a long way to go before he and Tony Dungy are having the same conversation. However, he could undoubtedly get there eventually.
Steichen is regarded as a maestro of offense. A couple seasons prior, he led the Philadelphia Eagles to an appearance in Super Bowl LVII while serving as offensive coordinator. Additionally, he assisted in making Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts a potential MVP.
Many thought the Colts would have a dismal season after Anthony Richardson’s season-ending injury the previous year. Steichen did, however, lead the squad to a 9-8 record. That’s noteworthy considering that the squad almost qualified for the playoffs with Gardner Minshew as their backup quarterback.
Steichen might lead the Colts to the postseason this coming season now that Richardson is fit and healthy. The team would be making their first postseason trip since the 2020 season.
Indianapolis’ roster is rich of young talent, with players like Jonathan Taylor, Richardson, and youngster Laiatu Latu among them. This raises the likelihood that Steichen will have a fruitful coaching career in Indianapolis. Of course, Richardson and company must continue to be healthy.
Is Shane Steichen going to be the best Colts coach who isn’t named Dungy? Time will tell.
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