Colts coaching staff drops in ESPN’s 2025 rankings

The Indianapolis Colts coaching staff was widely regarded as one of the more impressive groups in the league entering 2024. 

But that’s changed.

Head coach Shane Steichen’s crew drops seven places, from 11th to 18th, in Ben Solak’s recent coaching staff rankings. He calls the group as a whole “just above average.”

On the offensive side, Solak says that Steichen’s work with Anthony Richardson Sr. has created some doubt. But he has elevated quarterbacks in the past. 

“Steichen's time coordinating offense for Anthony Richardson Sr. has been far from perfect,” he writes. “But his ability to elevate Gardner Minshew in 2023 gives me faith in his ability to scheme a respectable offense.”

Solak adds he’s willing to hold onto hope for one more season to see if Steichen can finally bring the best out of Richardson.

The defense is where questions arise. Lou Anarumo takes over from Gus Bradley after both lost their jobs due to poorly performing units in 2024. 

“(Anarumo’s) defense fell apart in Cincinnati in large part because of young players who weren't ready to be out on the field. Was that the product of bad drafting from the front office? Or did Anarumo need to do more to develop the youth by simplifying his complex, communication-heavy defense?

“We'll learn a lot in Indianapolis, where solid veterans populate all three levels of the defense.”

Anarumo is the kind of coach who can turn a defense around, Solak believes. If he’s able to bring Indy back to being a respectable unit, and Steichen can nail down the quarterback position, then the Colts could find themselves climbing right back up the ranks in 2026.