Colts' Shane Steichen Regarded as Top Play Caller

Despite a wild situation at quarterback, Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen is one of the best at his craft.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen celebrates with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) after a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts are on the doorstep of their Week 1 matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. It's huge for quarterback Daniel Jones to start his tenure as the leader of the Colts' offense with a victory.

As for head coach Shane Steichen, he's entering the third season of his tenure leading the Colts. After starting off at an unenviable 17-17, things need to be better for Steichen in 2025 than what he's been able to accomplish thus far.

While there has been a great deal of drama at the quarterback position with Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr., Steichen remains a skilled play caller who can confuse and press defenses with efficient RPO operations, a strong ground attack, and vertical shots to keep coverages honest.

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen highlighted Steichen in a piece covering the top 10 offensive play callers, as voted by NFL defensive personnel ("six defensive coordinators and defensive assistant coaches from around the league.") Steichen was placed as number 10.

One AFC coach said this about Steichen: “I think he’s caused more panic timeouts by defenses and opposing head coaches than almost anybody. He’s stolen more plays than a lot of people have."

Shane Steichen Might Have His Most Complete Indianapolis Colts Offense #IndianapolisColts #Colts #NFL pic.twitter.com/LOiQJCx2RA

— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) August 30, 2025

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Nguyen continued about Steichen, stating, "From a play design standpoint, he’s one of the more creative coaches in the league, and some coaches believe the Colts offense would be one of the best if he had just good quarterback play."

It's true; if Steichen had more consistent quarterback play, there would be more capabilities from his offensive execution. So far in his two years, Steichen has had the likes of Richardson (twice), Gardner Minshew, and Joe Flacco lead the team.

Now, he has a fourth QB under center in Jones.

Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen walks off the field after the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

While there has been fan ire over Steichen choosing Jones, who can blame him? While it would have greatly benefited Richardson to start his third campaign, he's clearly not ready. I have been enveloped in the notion that he chose Jones to save his job, which is true.

However, it's hard to believe that Steichen didn't want Richardson as the guy over Jones. Seeing as how Steichen and Richardson were essentially tied at the hip when the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator was hired, it's a bit of a downer that Richardson isn't up to the speed the Colts need him to be.

Jones will lead Steichen's solid offensive scheme, but might not be much more than Minshew as far as a passer. While Jones is far more mobile and has more size in the pocket, he barely averages over 10 yards per completion for his NFL career (14,582 passing yards on 1,437 completions; 10.1 yards per completion).

Aug 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) passes during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Jones has a fantastic opportunity to prove doubters wrong and right the ship of his six-year NFL career. He can only go up from here, especially considering a lackluster 24 wins and 34.8-win percentage.

The Dolphins' defense is exploitable, and Jones will have plenty of chances to shine on Sunday. The question is, will he be able to do it with Steichen's type of style? Everything rides on taking the 2025 season by the reins, and it all starts with Steichen, Jones, and a victory against the Dolphins to kick off the year for Indy.