The Indianapolis Colts have officially been eliminated from playoff contention, marking a significant moment for Carlie Irsay-Gordon as she navigates her first major decision as the team”s owner. After beginning the season with an impressive 8-2 record, the Colts have become the first team since 1995 to miss the playoffs following such a strong start. This dramatic downturn has intensified scrutiny on head coach Shane Steichen, who has now failed to lead the team to the postseason for three consecutive years.
Despite the challenges faced, including key injuries, the pressure is mounting on the franchise as Irsay-Gordon contemplates whether to retain Steichen or seek a new direction. The Colts” collapse has not gone unnoticed, and former Colts head coach Bruce Arians has weighed in, advocating for patience from ownership. “I hope the Colts don”t make a change, because I think they”re close…be patient, you”re very, very close. Don”t let one or two injuries run you out of the whole damn thing,” Arians stated during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
The Colts” season began with high hopes, leading many to believe they were genuine contenders in the AFC. At one point, ESPN”s Football Power Index gave them a 93.9% chance of making the playoffs. However, the season took a downward turn when quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a ruptured Achilles during a pivotal game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Anthony Richardson Sr. already sidelined with an eye injury, the Colts turned to a retired Philip Rivers, who struggled in three games, leading to a devastating six-game losing streak.
Steichen recognized the team”s failures, especially in the critical months of November and December, acknowledging the need to win during that period to secure a playoff berth. “It”s something I”ve got to look at,” he mentioned following a Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. “We”ve got to find ways to win, especially in November and December. That”s where you win games and that”s where you make the playoffs.”
As of now, Irsay-Gordon has not publicly addressed the topic of Steichen”s job security. He confirmed that he has yet to discuss his future with her, although the two meet weekly for game debriefs. Irsay-Gordon has been actively involved in team operations, attending practices and meetings, and she has previously emphasized the importance of considering injuries in evaluating a season.
Steichen”s record currently stands at 25-25 over three seasons, a statistic that looms large as the Colts prepare for an offseason that will be particularly significant for Irsay-Gordon, following the passing of her father, Jim Irsay, earlier this year. With decisions on player contracts and coaching staff looming, the Colts are at a crossroads, where continuity may only yield positive results if late-season failures are addressed effectively.
