No, the Colts didn\u2019t make the playoffs, but it was still a great coaching performance by Steichen. Winning nine games without your starting quarterback (Anthony Richardson<\/a> missed 13 games due to injury) and playing with backup Gardner Minshew is impressive.<\/p>\n Then last season, Steichen\u2019s Colts finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs once again. Sure, an 8-9 record is nothing to be excited about. But with a bad defense and not-so-elite quarterback play from Richardson and Joe Flacco, things could\u2019ve been a lot worse. Here are two reasons Steichen can win Coach of the Year.<\/p>\n Why the Colts\u2019 Shane Steichen Could Win NFL Coach of the Year in 2025 A horrible defense was instrumental in the Colts\u2019 failure to make the playoffs last season. Fortunately, the unit should be much better in 2025. Indianapolis parted ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and replaced him with Lou Anarumo<\/a>. Anarumo\u2019s defense helped the Cincinnati Bengals make a Super Bowl appearance during the 2021 season.<\/p>\n This offseason, the Colts gave Anarumo an upgraded defense to work with. The team signed defenders like Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, and Joe Bachie. Then in the draft, they landed defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, cornerback Justin Wally, and defensive tackle Tim Smith.<\/p>\n Those newcomers are expected to team with holdovers like DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, and Zaire Franklin to give the Colts a top-notch defense in 2025. If that comes to fruition, it will improve Steichen\u2019s chances of winning Coach of the Year honors.<\/p>\n \n Dynamic Offense (Possibly)<\/p>\n The Colts have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball as well. While they lost<\/a> Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries to the Minnesota Vikings, their offensive line should still be fine<\/a> without those two. Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves, Kelly and Fries\u2019 replacements, could step up and get the job done this year. Plus, Indy still has Quenton Nelson, one of the best guards in football.<\/p>\n The Colts also have a good wide receiver room that\u2019s led by Michael Pittman, Jr., Josh Downs<\/a>, and Alec Pierce. Plus, tight end Tyler Warren, whom the team drafted this year, could immediately emerge as a superstar.<\/p>\n In addition, the Colts still have Jonathan Taylor on the roster. The 2021 rushing champion is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. This offseason, the team signed a solid backup for Taylor in Khalil Herbert and drafted D.J. Giddens out of Kansas State. The duo should provide much-needed depth.<\/p>\n
\nImproved Defense<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/USATSI_25120289_168400545_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen high fives Indianapolis Colts safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. (48) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images\n<\/p>\n